Question

Synthesis of alkenes via acid catalyzed dehydration of 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol

Phosphoric Acid is not as common in laboratory than Hydrochloric Acid, for example. Why in this reaction HCl would be a poor choice of reagent?  Due to the volatile character of the alkene products, the distillate must sit on a ice-water bath. What is volatility and how it affects the results of the reaction?  Once the alcohol and acid are heated and the reaction distilled, you will obtain a mixture of water and alkenes (all three possible alkenes). Your procedure asks for not allowing the products to sit, instead to proceed with the extraction and washing of organic phase. Explain why the organic and aqueous phase must be separated faster.

Answer 1