Practice Problem: Mechanism - Reaction of an Epoxide

The video tutorial explains the reaction of an epoxide with methoxide in methanol, focusing on the mechanism. It highlights the susceptibility of epoxides to nucleophilic attack due to ring strain and describes how methoxide, a good nucleophile, attacks the less sterically hindered carbon. This leads to the opening of the epoxide and formation of an oxyanion. The second step involves an intramolecular SN2 reaction, similar to Williamson ether synthesis, resulting in a five-membered ring closure.

What is the significance of the ring strain in epoxides when considering nucleophilic attack?

Explain the role of methoxide in the reaction with the epoxide.

Describe the process that occurs when the methoxide attacks the epoxide.

What is the outcome of the intramolecular reaction involving the oxyanion?

How does the formation of a five-membered ring occur in this reaction?