Propose mechanism of the reaction taking place when
(a) (-)-2-Bromooctane reacts with sodium hydroxide to form (+)-octane-2-ol.
(b) 2-Bromopentane is heated with (alc.) KOH to form alkenes.

Explanation

To solve the question, we will break it down into two parts: (a) the reaction of (-)-2-Bromooctane with sodium hydroxide to form (+)-octane-2-ol, and (b) the reaction of 2-Bromopentane with alcoholic KOH to form alkenes.

### Part (a): Mechanism of the Reaction of (-)-2-Bromooctane with Sodium Hydroxide

1. **Identify the Reactants**: The reactant is (-)-2-Bromooctane, which is a chiral molecule with a bromine atom attached to the second carbon. The nucleophile is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which dissociates into Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions in solution.

2. **SN2 Mechanism**: The reaction proceeds via an SN2 mechanism because it involves a nucleophilic substitution. The hydroxide ion (OH⁻) will attack the carbon atom that is bonded to the bromine atom.

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