Q8-2P. - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

Question: How many alkene products, including E, Z isomers, might be obtained by dehydration of 3-methyl-3-hexanol with aqueous sulfuric acid?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

The five alkene products formed are,

Step 1: Dehydration with aqueous sulfuric acid

The dehydration of alcohol in acid catalyst ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$removes water from the alcohol and forms an alkene product. ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$ Is a good dehydrating agent and is very good at removing water from the compounds.

Step 2: The formation of alkene products

When 3-methyl-3-hexanol is dehydrated with aqueous ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$, it removes water (OH and H group). The five alkene products obtained are E/Z-3-Methyl-3-hexene, E/Z-3-Methyl-2-hexene and 2-Ethyl-1-pentene.

 

                                                                  Formation of alkene products