Chapter 8, Problem 37P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The two alkenes formed in the given dehydration elimination reaction of $\text{2,3-dimethyl-2-pentanol}$ are to be identified and their relative amounts are to be determined.

Concept introduction:

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In a reaction that involves dehydration of alcohols, the hydrogen and the hydroxyl group are lost from the adjacent carbon atoms to form the most substituted alkene as the major product. The less substituted alkene is formed as the minor product.

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The number of double bonds in the resulting alkenes depends on the number of distinct beta carbon atoms in the alcohol.

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Hydrogenation of alkenes results in the formation of alkanes.