Question

Dehydration of tertiary alcohols with Cu at 573 K gives:

• A. Alkyne
• B. Alkene
• C. Aldehyde
• D. Ketone

Hint:

Dehydration of primary alcohols at high temperatures produces aldehydes, while secondary alcohols form ketones. Only tertiary alcohols give alkenes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Tertiary alcohols undergo dehydration when heated with copper (Cu) at 573 K, leading to the formation of alkenes via the E1 (elimination) mechanism. The reaction follows: \[ R_3C-OH \xrightarrow{\text{Cu, 573 K}} R_2C=CR_2 + H_2O \] This method is used in industrial applications for producing alkenes from alcohols.