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Q7.27:
Preparation of ethers by acid dehydration of secondary or tertiary alcohols is not a suitable method. Give reason.
Solution :
Theoretical Foundation: Acid-Catalyzed Dehydration
The synthesis of ethers via acid-catalyzed dehydration involves the nucleophilic attack of an alcohol molecule on the protonated alcohol species (alkyloxonium ion). The general mechanism follows a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution ($S_N2$) pathway for primary alcohols. However, for secondary and tertiary alcohols, the steric hindrance and the stability of carbocation intermediates shift the reaction pathway significantly.
Step 1: Analysis of the Reaction Mechanism
In the formation of ethers ($R-O-R'$), the alcohol acts as a nucleophile. The reaction proceeds as follows:
- Step A (Protonation): $R-OH + H^+ \rightleftharpoons R-OH_2^+$ [Per Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory]
- Step B (Nucleophilic Attack): $R-OH + R-OH_2^+ \rightarrow R-O^+(H)-R + H_2O$
For primary alcohols, the unhindered nature of the $\alpha$-carbon allows the nucleophile to easily approach the electrophilic center. In secondary ($2^\circ$) and tertiary ($3^\circ$) alcohols, the presence of bulky alkyl groups creates significant steric hindrance, blocking the $S_N2$ approach of the second alcohol molecule.
Step 2: Competitive Elimination Pathway ($E1$)
Secondary and tertiary alcohols possess the unique ability to form relatively stable carbocations ($2^\circ$ or $3^\circ$ carbocations). When subjected to acidic conditions and heat, these alcohols favor the elimination reaction over substitution:
- Formation of a stable carbocation via the loss of $H_2O$.
- Loss of a proton from the adjacent carbon to form an alkene [Per Saytzeff’s Rule].
The rate of elimination ($E1$) is significantly faster than the rate of bimolecular substitution ($S_N2$) for these substrates because the transition state for ether formation is highly crowded, whereas the alkene product is stabilized by hyperconjugation and inductive effects.
Step 3: Comparative Analysis of Products
| Alcohol Type | Primary Product | Dominant Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Ether | $S_N2$ |
| Secondary/Tertiary | Alkene | $E1$ |
Visual Representation of Steric Hindrance
Conclusion
Because the formation of stable carbocations in secondary and tertiary alcohols facilitates rapid elimination, the dehydration of these alcohols leads primarily to the formation of alkenes rather than ethers. The steric hindrance imposed by the branching further prohibits the bimolecular collision required for ether synthesis. Consequently, this method is academically and industrially deemed unsuitable for these substrates.
Final Solution: Acid-catalyzed dehydration of secondary and tertiary alcohols is unsuitable because these alcohols preferentially undergo elimination ($E1$) to form alkenes due to the formation of stable carbocations and the steric hindrance that prevents the nucleophilic attack required for ether synthesis.
More Questions from Class 12 Chemistry Alcohols Exercises
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1: Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1 (x): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds: \(C_{6}H_{5}–O–C_{2}H_{5}\)
- Q7.1 (xi): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds: \(C_{6}H_{5}–O–C_{7}H_{15}(n–)\)
- Q7.1(i): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(ii): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(iii): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(iv): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(ix): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(v): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(vi): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(vii): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(viii): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(x): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(xi): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.1(xii): Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
- Q7.10: Write chemical reaction for the preparation of phenol from chlorobenzene.
- Q7.10: Write chemical reaction for the preparation of phenol from chlorobenzene.
- Q7.11: Write the mechanism of hydration of ethene to yield ethanol.
- Q7.11: Write the mechanism of hydration of ethene to yield ethanol.
- Q7.12: You are given benzene, conc. \(H_{2}SO_{4}\) and \(NaOH\). Write the equations for the preparation of phenol using these reagents.
- Q7.12: You are given benzene, conc. ((H_{2}SO_{4})) and NaOH. Write the equations for the preparation of phenol using these reagents.
- Q7.13 (i): Show how will you synthesise: 1-phenylethanol from a suitable alkene.
- Q7.13 (ii): Show how will you synthesise: cyclohexylmethanol using an alkyl halide by an \(S_{N}2\) reaction.
- Q7.13 (iii): Show how will you synthesise: pentan-1-ol using a suitable alkyl halide?
- Q7.13(i): Show how will you synthesise: 1-phenylethanol from a suitable alkene.
- Q7.13(ii): Show how will you synthesise: cyclohexylmethanol using an alkyl halide by an ((S_{N}2)) reaction.
- Q7.13(iii): Show how will you synthesise: pentan-1-ol using a suitable alkyl halide?
- Q7.14: Give two reactions that show the acidic nature of phenol. Compare acidity of phenol with that of ethanol.
- Q7.14: Give two reactions that show the acidic nature of phenol. Compare acidity of phenol with that of ethanol.
- Q7.15: Explain why is ortho nitrophenol more acidic than ortho methoxyphenol ?
- Q7.15: Explain why is ortho nitrophenol more acidic than ortho methoxyphenol ?
- Q7.16: Explain how does the \(–OH\) group attached to a carbon of benzene ring activate it towards electrophilic substitution?
- Q7.16: Explain how does the –OH group attached to a carbon of benzene ring activate it towards electrophilic substitution?
- Q7.17 (i): Give equations of the following reactions: Oxidation of propan-1-ol with alkaline \(KMnO_{4}\) solution.
- Q7.17 (ii): Give equations of the following reactions: Bromine in \(CS_{2}\) with phenol.
- Q7.17 (iii): Give equations of the following reactions: Dilute \(HNO_{3}\) with phenol.
- Q7.17 (iv): Give equations of the following reactions: Treating phenol wih chloroform in presence of aqueous \(NaOH\).
- Q7.17(i): Give equations of the following reactions: Oxidation of propan-1-ol with alkaline ((KMnO_{4})) solution.
- Q7.17(ii): Give equations of the following reactions: Bromine in ((CS_{2})) with phenol.
- Q7.17(iii): Give equations of the following reactions: Dilute ((HNO_{3})) with phenol.
- Q7.17(iv): Give equations of the following reactions: Treating phenol wih chloroform in presence of aqueous NaOH.
- Q7.18 (i): Explain the following with an example. Kolbe’s reaction.
- Q7.18 (ii): Explain the following with an example. Reimer-Tiemann reaction.
- Q7.18 (iii): Explain the following with an example. Williamson ether synthesis.
- Q7.18 (iv): Explain the following with an example. Unsymmetrical ether.
- Q7.18(i): Explain the following with an example. Kolbe’s reaction.
- Q7.18(ii): Explain the following with an example. Reimer-Tiemann reaction.
- Q7.18(iii): Explain the following with an example. Williamson ether synthesis.
- Q7.18(iv): Explain the following with an example. Unsymmetrical ether.
- Q7.19: Write the mechanism of acid dehydration of ethanol to yield ethene.
- Q7.19: Write the mechanism of acid dehydration of ethanol to yield ethene.
- Q7.2 (i): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 2-Methylbutan-2-ol
- Q7.2 (ii): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 1-Phenylpropan-2-ol
- Q7.2 (iii): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 3,5-Dimethylhexane –1, 3, 5-triol
- Q7.2 (iv): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 2,3 – Diethylphenol
- Q7.2 (ix): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: Cyclopent-3-en-1-ol
- Q7.2 (v): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 1 – Ethoxypropane
- Q7.2 (vi): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 2-Ethoxy-3-methylpentane
- Q7.2 (vii): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: Cyclohexylmethanol
- Q7.2 (viii): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 3-Cyclohexylpentan-3-ol
- Q7.2 (x): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 4-Chloro-3-ethylbutan-1-ol.
- Q7.2(i): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 2-Methylbutan-2-ol
- Q7.2(ii): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 1-Phenylpropan-2-ol
- Q7.2(iii): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 3,5-Dimethylhexane –1, 3, 5-triol
- Q7.2(iv): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 2,3 – Diethylphenol
- Q7.2(ix): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: Cyclopent-3-en-1-ol
- Q7.2(v): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 1 – Ethoxypropane
- Q7.2(vi): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 2-Ethoxy-3-methylpentane
- Q7.2(vii): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: Cyclohexylmethanol
- Q7.2(viii): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 3-Cyclohexylpentan-3-ol
- Q7.2(x): Write structures of the compounds whose IUPAC names are as follows: 4-Chloro-3-ethylbutan-1-ol.
- Q7.20 (i): How are the following conversions carried out? Propene \(\rightarrow\) Propan-2-ol.
- Q7.20 (ii): How are the following conversions carried out? Benzyl chloride \(\rightarrow\) Benzyl alcohol.
- Q7.20 (iii): How are the following conversions carried out? Ethyl magnesium chloride \(\rightarrow\) Propan-1-ol.
- Q7.20 (iv): How are the following conversions carried out? Methyl magnesium bromide \(\rightarrow\) 2-Methylpropan-2-ol.
- Q7.20(i): How are the following conversions carried out? Propene ((\rightarrow)) Propan-2-ol.
- Q7.20(ii): How are the following conversions carried out? Benzyl chloride ((\rightarrow)) Benzyl alcohol.
- Q7.20(iii): How are the following conversions carried out? Ethyl magnesium chloride ((\rightarrow)) Propan-1-ol.
- Q7.20(iv): How are the following conversions carried out? Methyl magnesium bromide ((\rightarrow)) 2-Methylpropan-2-ol.
- Q7.21 (i): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Oxidation of a primary alcohol to carboxylic acid.
- Q7.21 (ii): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Oxidation of a primary alcohol to aldehyde.
- Q7.21 (iii): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Bromination of phenol to 2,4,6-tribromophenol.
- Q7.21 (iv): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid.
- Q7.21 (v): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Dehydration of propan-2-ol to propene.
- Q7.21 (vi): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Butan-2-one to butan-2-ol.
- Q7.21(i): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Oxidation of a primary alcohol to carboxylic acid.
- Q7.21(ii): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Oxidation of a primary alcohol to aldehyde.
- Q7.21(iii): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Bromination of phenol to 2,4,6-tribromophenol.
- Q7.21(iv): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid.
- Q7.21(v): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Dehydration of propan-2-ol to propene.
- Q7.21(vi): Name the reagents used in the following reactions: Butan-2-one to butan-2-ol.
- Q7.22: Give reason for the higher boiling point of ethanol in comparison to methoxymethane.
- Q7.22: Give reason for the higher boiling point of ethanol in comparison to methoxymethane.
- Q7.23: Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23: Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23: Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23: Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23: Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23(i): Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23(ii): Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23(iii): Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23(iv): Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23(v): Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.23(vi): Give IUPAC names of the following ethers:
- Q7.24 (i): Write the names of reagents and equations for the preparation of the following ethers by Williamson’s synthesis: 1-Propoxypropane
- Q7.24 (ii): Write the names of reagents and equations for the preparation of the following ethers by Williamson’s synthesis: Ethoxybenzene
- Q7.24 (iii): Write the names of reagents and equations for the preparation of the following ethers by Williamson’s synthesis: 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane
- Q7.24 (iv): Write the names of reagents and equations for the preparation of the following ethers by Williamson’s synthesis: 1-Methoxyethane
- Q7.24(i): Write the names of reagents and equations for the preparation of the following ethers by Williamson’s synthesis: 1-Propoxypropane
- Q7.24(ii): Write the names of reagents and equations for the preparation of the following ethers by Williamson’s synthesis: Ethoxybenzene
- Q7.24(iii): Write the names of reagents and equations for the preparation of the following ethers by Williamson’s synthesis: 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane
- Q7.24(iv): Write the names of reagents and equations for the preparation of the following ethers by Williamson’s synthesis: 1-Methoxyethane
- Q7.25: Illustrate with examples the limitations of Williamson synthesis for the preparation of certain types of ethers.
- Q7.25: Illustrate with examples the limitations of Williamson synthesis for the preparation of certain types of ethers.
- Q7.26: How is 1-propoxypropane synthesised from propan-1-ol? Write mechanism of this reaction.
- Q7.26: How is 1-propoxypropane synthesised from propan-1-ol? Write mechanism of this reaction.
- Q7.27: Preparation of ethers by acid dehydration of secondary or tertiary alcohols is not a suitable method. Give reason.
- Q7.28 (i): Write the equation of the reaction of hydrogen iodide with: 1-propoxypropane
- Q7.28 (ii): Write the equation of the reaction of hydrogen iodide with: methoxybenzene
- Q7.28 (iii): Write the equation of the reaction of hydrogen iodide with: benzyl ethyl ether.
- Q7.28(i): Write the equation of the reaction of hydrogen iodide with: 1-propoxypropane
- Q7.28(ii): Write the equation of the reaction of hydrogen iodide with: methoxybenzene
- Q7.28(iii): Write the equation of the reaction of hydrogen iodide with: benzyl ethyl ether.
- Q7.29: Explain the fact that in aryl alkyl ethers (i) the alkoxy group activates the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution and (ii) it directs the incoming substituents to ortho and para positions in benzene ring.
- Q7.29: Explain the fact that in aryl alkyl ethers (i) the alkoxy group activates the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution and (ii) it directs the incoming substituents to ortho and para positions in benzene ring.
- Q7.3 (i): Draw the structures of all isomeric alcohols of molecular formula \(C_{5}H_{12}O\) and give their IUPAC names.
- Q7.3 (ii): Classify the isomers of alcohols as primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols.
- Q7.3(i): Draw the structures of all isomeric alcohols of molecular formula ((C_{5}H_{12}O)) and give their IUPAC names.
- Q7.3(ii): Classify the isomers of alcohols as primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols.
- Q7.30: Write the mechanism of the reaction of \(HI\) with methoxymethane.
- Q7.30: Write the mechanism of the reaction of HI with methoxymethane.
- Q7.31 (i): Write equations of the following reactions: Friedel-Crafts reaction – alkylation of anisole.
- Q7.31 (ii): Write equations of the following reactions: Nitration of anisole.
- Q7.31 (iii): Write equations of the following reactions: Bromination of anisole in ethanoic acid medium.
- Q7.31 (iv): Write equations of the following reactions: Friedel-Craft’s acetylation of anisole.
- Q7.31(i): Write equations of the following reactions: Friedel-Crafts reaction – alkylation of anisole.
- Q7.31(ii): Write equations of the following reactions: Nitration of anisole.
- Q7.31(iii): Write equations of the following reactions: Bromination of anisole in ethanoic acid medium.
- Q7.31(iv): Write equations of the following reactions: Friedel-Craft’s acetylation of anisole.
- Q7.32: Show how would you synthesise the following alcohols from appropriate alkenes?
- Q7.32: Show how would you synthesise the following alcohols from appropriate alkenes?
- Q7.32: Show how would you synthesise the following alcohols from appropriate alkenes?
- Q7.32: Show how would you synthesise the following alcohols from appropriate alkenes?
- Q7.32(i): Show how would you synthesise the following alcohols from appropriate alkenes?
- Q7.32(ii): Show how would you synthesise the following alcohols from appropriate alkenes?
- Q7.32(iii): Show how would you synthesise the following alcohols from appropriate alkenes?
- Q7.32(iv): Show how would you synthesise the following alcohols from appropriate alkenes?
- Q7.33: When 3-methylbutan-2-ol is treated with HBr, the following reaction takes place: Give a mechanism for this reaction. (Hint : The secondary carbocation formed in step II rearranges to a more stable tertiary carbocation by a hydride ion shift from 3rd carbon atom.
- Q7.33: When 3-methylbutan-2-ol is treated with HBr, the following reaction takes place: Give a mechanism for this reaction. (Hint : The secondary carbocation formed in step II rearranges to a more stable tertiary carbocation by a hydride ion shift from ((3^{rd})) carbon atom.)
- Q7.4: Explain why propanol has higher boiling point than that of the hydrocarbon, butane?
- Q7.4: Explain why propanol has higher boiling point than that of the hydrocarbon, butane?
- Q7.5: Alcohols are comparatively more soluble in water than hydrocarbons of comparable molecular masses. Explain this fact.
- Q7.5: Alcohols are comparatively more soluble in water than hydrocarbons of comparable molecular masses. Explain this fact.
- Q7.6: What is meant by hydroboration-oxidation reaction? Illustrate it with an example.
- Q7.6: What is meant by hydroboration-oxidation reaction? Illustrate it with an example.
- Q7.7: Give the structures and IUPAC names of monohydric phenols of molecular formula, \(C_{7}H_{8}O\).
- Q7.7: Give the structures and IUPAC names of monohydric phenols of molecular formula, ((C_{7}H_{8}O)).
- Q7.8: While separating a mixture of ortho and para nitrophenols by steam distillation, name the isomer which will be steam volatile. Give reason.
- Q7.8: While separating a mixture of ortho and para nitrophenols by steam distillation, name the isomer which will be steam volatile. Give reason.
- Q7.9: Give the equations of reactions for the preparation of phenol from cumene.
- Q7.9: Give the equations of reactions for the preparation of phenol from cumene.
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Alcohols
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Chemistry
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