Question:

Preparation of ethers by acid dehydration of secondary or tertiary alcohols is not a suitable method. Give reason.

Updated On: Sep 28, 2023
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Solution and Explanation

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.

The formation of ethers by dehydration of alcohol is a bimolecular reaction

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Notes on Alcohols, Phenols And Ethers

Concepts Used:

Preparation - Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Alcohols, phenols, and ethers are organic compounds that can be prepared by various methods.

Preparation of Alcohols:

  1. Direct hydration of alkenes: Alcohols can be prepared by the addition of water to an alkene in the presence of a strong acid catalyst.
  2. Reduction of carbonyl compounds: Alcohols can be prepared by the reduction of aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids using reducing agents like NaBH4 or LiAlH4.
  3. Grignard reaction: Alcohols can be prepared by reacting Grignard reagents with carbonyl compounds.
  4. Hydroboration-oxidation: Alcohols can be prepared by the hydroboration of alkenes followed by oxidation with an oxidizing agent like H2O2.

Preparation of Phenols:

  1. Hydrolysis of diazonium salts: Phenols can be prepared by the hydrolysis of diazonium salts, which are formed by the reaction of aniline with nitrous acid.
  2. Oxidation of sulfonic acids: Phenols can be prepared by the oxidation of sulfonic acids using strong oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate or chromic acid.

Preparation of Ethers:

  1. Williamson synthesis: Ethers can be prepared by the reaction of an alkoxide ion with a primary alkyl halide or tosylate in the presence of a strong base like NaOH or KOH.
  2. Dehydration of alcohols: Ethers can be prepared by the dehydration of alcohols in the presence of a strong acid catalyst like H2SO4.

In summary, alcohols, phenols, and ethers can be prepared by a variety of methods, including hydration, reduction, Grignard reaction, hydroboration-oxidation, hydrolysis, oxidation, Williamson synthesis, and dehydration. The choice of the method depends on the availability of starting materials, the desired product, and the conditions of the reaction.

Also Read: Classification of Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers