Question
Chemistry Question on Alcohols, Phenols And Ethers
Preparation of ethers by acid dehydration of secondary or tertiary alcohols is not a suitable method. Give reason.
Answer
The formation of ethers by dehydration of alcohol is a bimolecular reaction(SN2)involving the attack of an alcohol molecule on a protonated alcohol molecule.In the method,the alkyl group should be unhindered.In case of secondary or tertiary alcohols,the alkyl group is hindered.As a result,elimination dominates substitution.Hence,in place of ethers,alkenes are formed.
