The correct answer is A. 2S, 3R and 2R, 3R.
The absolute configuration of a chiral center is the spatial arrangement of the four groups attached to the chiral center. The absolute configuration is designated by the R or S system, which is based on the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules.
In the reaction shown, the chiral center in X is the carbon atom with the hydroxyl group attached. The priority of the groups attached to this carbon atom is as follows:
- Hydroxyl group (-OH)
- Methyl group (-CH3)
- Ethyl group (-CH2CH3)
- Hydrogen atom (-H)
The absolute configuration of the chiral center in X is R, because the hydroxyl group is in the R configuration.
The chiral center in Y is the carbon atom with the bromide group attached. The priority of the groups attached to this carbon atom is as follows:
- Bromide group (-Br)
- Methyl group (-CH3)
- Ethyl group (-CH2CH3)
- Hydrogen atom (-H)
The absolute configuration of the chiral center in Y is R, because the bromide group is in the R configuration.
Therefore, the absolute configurations of the chiral centers in X and Y are 2S, 3R and 2R, 3R, respectively.