When 2-methyl-2-butene is bubbled into dilute sulfuric acid at room temperature, it appears to dissolve. What new substance has been formed?
To determine the new substance formed when 2-methyl-2-butene is bubbled into dilute sulfuric acid at room temperature, we need to consider the reaction that takes place.
In this case, when 2-methyl-2-butene reacts with dilute sulfuric acid, an addition reaction occurs. The acid reacts with the double bond in the 2-methyl-2-butene molecule, resulting in the formation of a new compound.
To find out the specific product, we can examine the reaction mechanism. The double bond in 2-methyl-2-butene attracts an electron pair from the acid, breaking the bond between sulfur and one of its oxygen atoms. This process leads to the formation of a carbocation, a positively charged carbon species.
Next, water, which is also present in dilute sulfuric acid, acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbocation, forming an alcohol. In this case, the carbocation formed from 2-methyl-2-butene reacts with water, resulting in the formation of 2-methyl-2-butanol.
Therefore, the new substance formed when 2-methyl-2-butene reacts with dilute sulfuric acid is 2-methyl-2-butanol.