2-methyl-2hexanol is reacted with sulfuric acid at around 800C. The two products formed are 2-methyl-1-hexene (19%) and 2-methyl-2-hexene (81%). Show the chemical equation for this reaction. Explain fully why 2-methyl-2-hexene is the major product.

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What Happens when (z)-2-pentene reacts with Cl2 and H2o?

The chemical equation for the reaction between 2-methyl-2-hexanol and sulfuric acid can be represented as follows:

2-methyl-2-hexanol + sulfuric acid → 2-methyl-1-hexene + 2-methyl-2-hexene

In this reaction, an acid-catalyzed dehydration of 2-methyl-2-hexanol takes place. The sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst, facilitating the removal of a water molecule (dehydration), resulting in the formation of the two products: 2-methyl-1-hexene and 2-methyl-2-hexene.

Now, let's focus on why 2-methyl-2-hexene is the major product in this reaction. This can be explained by the concept of carbocation stability. During the dehydration process, the 2-methyl-2-hexanol molecule loses a water molecule, resulting in the formation of a carbocation intermediate.

The stability of carbocations is influenced by the degree of alkyl substitution. The greater the number of alkyl groups attached to a positively charged carbon atom, the more stable the carbocation will be. This stability arises from the electron-donating nature of alkyl groups, which helps to delocalize the positive charge and provide stability.

In the case of 2-methyl-2-hexanol, the carbocation formed after the loss of water has two alkyl groups (methyl groups) attached to the positively charged carbon (tertiary carbocation). On the other hand, in the case of 2-methyl-1-hexene, the carbocation formed after dehydration has only one alkyl group (methyl group) attached to the positively charged carbon (secondary carbocation).

Since the tertiary carbocation is more stable than the secondary carbocation, it is more likely to form during the reaction. Therefore, the major product obtained is 2-methyl-2-hexene.

In summary, the major product formed in the reaction between 2-methyl-2-hexanol and sulfuric acid is 2-methyl-2-hexene due to the greater stability of the tertiary carbocation intermediate formed during the dehydration process.