Question:

Which of the following reactions takes place when tertiary butanol is passed over heated copper at 573 K?

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Tertiary alcohols undergo dehydration over heated copper at ~573 K to form alkenes.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • Dehydrogenation reaction
  • Dehydration reaction
  • Oxidation reaction
  • Addition reaction
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify reaction conditions.
Tertiary alcohol heated over copper at 573 K favors elimination of water.

Step 2: Reaction type.
Dehydration of tertiary alcohols occurs to form alkenes (E1 mechanism).

Step 3: Dehydrogenation comparison.
Dehydrogenation occurs at higher temperatures or with metal catalysts, producing ketones/aldehydes.

Step 4: Oxidation and addition reactions.
Oxidation is not favored for tertiary alcohols under these conditions. Addition reaction is unrelated.

Step 5: Conclusion.
The reaction taking place is dehydration: \[ \text{(CH}_3)_3\text{C–OH} \xrightarrow{\text{Cu, 573 K}} (\text{CH}_3)_2\text{C=CH}_2 + H_2O \]
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