Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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Question
Predict the relative ease of dehydration of the following alcohols

Transcribed Image Text:**Predict the Relative Ease of Dehydration of the Following Alcohols**
This image presents structural diagrams of three alcohols, asking for predictions on their relative ease of dehydration.
1. **First Alcohol (Left)**
- Structure: \( \text{H}_3\text{C}-\text{CH}_2-\text{OH} \)
- This represents a primary alcohol, specifically ethanol.
2. **Second Alcohol (Middle)**
- Structure:
```
OH
|
CH
/ \
CH3 CH3
```
- This represents a secondary alcohol, specifically isopropanol (2-propanol).
3. **Third Alcohol (Right)**
- Structure:
```
CH3
|
H3C-C-CH3
|
OH
```
- This represents a tertiary alcohol, specifically tert-butanol (2-methyl-2-propanol).
**Explanation for Dehydration Ease**:
- Tertiary alcohols usually dehydrate more easily than secondary and primary alcohols due to carbocation stability. Dehydration follows the order: tertiary > secondary > primary, based on the stability of the carbocation formed during the reaction. Therefore, tert-butanol should dehydrate most easily, followed by isopropanol, and then ethanol.
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