The specific rotation of (S)-(+)-2-octanol is +89o . What is the enantiomeric excess (as a percentage), and of which isomer, for a sample of 2-octanol whose measured specific rotation is +59o?
For the first part I know the excess is 66% the question I need help with is the second part below.
This 2-octanol sample was the product of a solvolysis reaction that started with pure (R)-2-bromooctane. Predict the optical activity of the 2-octanol product if the reaction proceeded a) by SN2 and b) by SN1 mechanism. How do you explain the observed optical activity?