Question

Specify which of the following statements regarding this dehydration lab are true or false?

a) This reaction is not regioselective.
b) Both product alkenes will have an equal affinity for the GC column material.
c) A tertiary alcohol would show greater reactivity than 2-methylcyclohexanol for this type of dehydration.
d) More 1-methylcyclohexene is formed because it involves a more stable carbocation intermediate, compared to the other possibility.
e) Distilling at too high a temperature will result in interconversion of the two alkenes.

Answer 1

In a dehydration lab, regioselectivity often occurs; thus, statement (a) is false. Statement (b) is false as different alkenes will differ in GC column affinity. Statement (c) is true, tertiary alcohols dehydrate more readily. Statement (d) is true, more product forms from the more stable intermediate. Statement (e) is false, as high temperatures may cause other reactions rather than interconversion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding the statements about the dehydration lab:

• (a) This statement is false. Dehydration reactions are often regioselective, meaning that one product is favored over another based on the stability of the carbocation intermediate.
• (b) This statement is false. Different alkenes typically have differing affinities for a GC column material due to variations in their molecular structures and interactions with the stationary phase.
• (c) This statement is true. A tertiary alcohol would show greater reactivity for dehydration due to the greater stability of the resulting tertiary carbocation.
• (d) This statement is true. More 1-methylcyclohexane is formed because it involves a more stable carbocation intermediate than the other products possible.
• (e) This statement is false. Distilling at too high a temperature may lead to side reactions or decomposition, but not necessarily interconversion of the alkenes.