Sec-butyl alcohol retains its characteristic of being optically active in aqueous base; however, it racemizes when combined with diluted sulfuric acid. Provide a mechanism suggestion to explain this phenomenon. Illustrate as needed and be sure to have an explanation

Organic Chemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781305080485
Author:John E. McMurry
Publisher:John E. McMurry
Chapter9: Alkynes: An Introduction To Organic Synthesis
Section9.SE: Something Extra
Problem 18MP
icon
Related questions
Question

Sec-butyl alcohol retains its characteristic of being optically active in aqueous base; however, it racemizes when combined with diluted sulfuric acid. Provide a mechanism suggestion to explain this phenomenon. Illustrate as needed and be sure to have an explanation. 

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305080485
Author:
John E. McMurry
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305580350
Author:
William H. Brown, Brent L. Iverson, Eric Anslyn, Christopher S. Foote
Publisher:
Cengage Learning