When 2-methyl-2-butene is bubbled into dilute sulfuric acid at room temperature, it appears to dissolve. What new substance has been formed?
The 2-methylpropene is hydrated by the sulfuric acid which produces t-butanol.
To determine the new substance formed when 2-methyl-2-butene is bubbled into dilute sulfuric acid, we need to consider the reaction that takes place.
2-methyl-2-butene (C₅H₁₀) is an alkene, a hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond. When an alkene reacts with an acid, such as sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), an addition reaction occurs. In this case, the double bond in 2-methyl-2-butene breaks, allowing the acid to add hydrogen atoms to the carbon atoms.
The addition of hydrogen atoms from the acid (H₂SO₄) results in the formation of an alkyl hydrogen sulfate. In the case of 2-methyl-2-butene, the reaction would yield 2-methyl-2-butyl hydrogen sulfate (C₅H₁₀HSO₄).
Therefore, the new substance formed when 2-methyl-2-butene is bubbled into dilute sulfuric acid is 2-methyl-2-butyl hydrogen sulfate.