AIIMS 2019 Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms MCQ Question

The reaction of ¹⁻Iod$o^{-2}$-methylcyclohexane primarily undergoes an SN2 mechanism due to the steric hindrance of the cyclohexane ring, leading to a backside attack by the nucleophile, which results in inversion of configuration at the chiral center. Option A represents the product formed through this mechanism, where the nucleophile effectively displaces the iodide ion. Other options may depict products resulting from alternative mechanisms such as elimination or rearrangement, which are less favorable in this context due to the structure of the substrate. Understanding the preference for SN2 in this scenario highlights the importance of sterics and nucleophilicity in reaction pathways.