A chemist allows some pure (2S,3R)-3-bromo-2,3-diphenylpentane to react with a solution of sodium ethoxide (NaOCH2CH3) in ethanol.
The products are two alkenes: A (cis-trans mixture) and B, a single pure isomer.
Under the same conditions, the reaction of (2S,3S)-3-bromo-2,3-diphenylpentane gives two alkenes, A (cis-trans mixture) and C.
Upon catalytic hydrogenation, all three of these alkenes (A, B, and C) give 2,3-diphenylpentane.
Determine the structures of A, B, and C; give equations for their formation; and explain the stereospecificity of these reactions.