When isomeric alkenes are obtained in acid catalyzed dehydration of an alcohol, the alkene having the greater number of substituents on the double bond (the more stable alkene) generally predominates (Zaitsev's rule, Section 9.5).

Short Answer

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Question: Determine the major isomeric alkene obtained during the acid-catalyzed dehydration of the following alcohol: CH3-CH2-CH(OH)-CH3.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Acid-Catalyzed Dehydration of Alcohols

Acid-catalyzed dehydration of alcohols is an elimination reaction that involves the removal of an -OH group from the alcohol and one H atom from an adjacent carbon atom (beta-carbon) to form a C=C double bond (alkene). The reaction is facilitated by the presence of an acid catalyst, as it protonates the alcohol to form the more readily eliminated water molecule. The reaction involves a carbocation intermediate, which undergoes deprotonation to form the alkene.
02

Apply Zaitsev's Rule to Predict the Major Product

Zaitsev's rule states that the major product formed in an elimination reaction is the more stable alkene, which possesses a higher number of substituents on the double bond. The more substituted double bond stabilizes the alkene through hyperconjugation and inductive effects. Additionally, it is important to locate all possible beta-carbons, i.e., carbons adjacent to the alcohol-bearing carbon. Each beta-carbon can lead to a different alkene.
03

Identify the Alcohol and Possible Beta-Carbons

Examine the alcohol molecule for which the elimination reaction will occur. Identify the beta-carbons, the carbons directly adjacent to the one holding the -OH group.
04

Evaluate the Stability of the Alkenes Formed from Each Beta-Carbon Eliminations

For each beta-carbon, remove the -OH group from the alcohol and a hydrogen atom from the identified beta-carbon. Create a carbon-carbon double bond between the former alcohol-bearing carbon and the beta-carbon. Then, assess the substitution pattern of the formed alkene (mono-, di-, tri-, or tetrasubstituted).
05

Determine the Major Product

Based on Zaitsev's rule, the alkene formed from the elimination having the most substituents on the double bond will be the major (predominant) product in the reaction. By following these steps and applying Zaitsev's rule to acid-catalyzed dehydration of the given alcohol, one can determine the predominant isomeric alkene.

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