The reaction of butan-2-ol with concentrated aqueous hbr goes with partial racemization, giving more inversion than retention of configuration. propose a mechanism that accounts for racemization with excess inversion. (b) under the same conditions, an optically active sample of trans-2-bromocyclopentanol reacts with concentrated aqueous hbr to give an optically inactive product, (racemic) trans-1,2- dibromocyclopentane. propose a mechanism to show how this reaction goes with apparently complete retention of configuration, yet with racemization.

the correct answer is b. a strong acid completely dissociates to its ions when dissolved in water. completely dissociates to and ions. a is incorrect because does not fully ionize to and ions and some remain as the compound . c and d are incorrect because, and do not fall into the category of bronsted lowry acids. a bronsted lowry acid is a proton donor and since both molecules do not have a proton to donate they are not bronsted lowry acids. likewise,   if we use the lewis acid definition, they cannot be acids. a lewis acid is an electron pair acceptor. both and have a complete octet so can not accept any electrons which disqualifies them as acids.