Why would steric hindrance lead to a slower reaction rate? Is it 1,3 - diaxial interactions between the antiperiplanar and the X group? Would X = tert- butyl be slower because of the steric hindrance destabilising the conformation, making it more difficult for the base to accept the H atom?

9 The base-mediated E2 elimination of HCl from molecule A requires the hydrogen shown and the chloride leaving group to be antiperiplanar. Base -+BHCI ti 2 3 A :B By drawing appropriate chair conformations, decide whether you think the elimination reaction would be faster when X = H or X = 'Bu and explain your