Chapter 16, Problem 16.63P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The mechanism for the acid-catalyzed dehydration of $3-\text{methylbut}-2-\text{ene}-1-\text{ol}$ to isoprene is to be drawn.

Concept introduction: The removal of two substituents from a molecule either in one step or in two steps is called an elimination reaction.

In elimination reaction, abstraction of proton occurs to form an alkene. Elimination reactions are of two types that is $\text{E1}$ and $\text{E2}$.

For preparation of alkenes, acid-catalyzed dehydration of alcohols is one of the best methods. Less substituted alkene is the minor product when a mixture of constitutional isomers is possible.