Question

Write the product
${\left( {C{H_3}} \right)_3}C - OH\xrightarrow[{573K}]{{Cu}}$

Answer 1

Hint: When tert-butanol or ${\text{2 - methylpropan - 2 - ol}}$ reacts is heated in the presence of copper at $573K$, dehydration reaction takes place in which there is a loss of water molecule.

Complete step by step answer:
${\left( {C{H_3}} \right)_3}C - OH$ is called tert-butanol or ${\text{2 - methylpropan - 2 - ol}}$ .It is a tertiary alcohol.It has following properties-
-It is a colourless oily liquid which forms rhombic crystals on crystallization.
-It has a camphor like odor.
-It is soluble in water, ethanol, ethyl ether and chloroform.
When tert-butanol reacts is heated in presence of copper at $573K$, it forms alkene named ${\text{2 - methylprop - 1 - ene}}$ and water molecule. The reaction is as follows-
${\left( {C{H_3}} \right)_3}C - OH\xrightarrow[{573K}]{{Cu}}C{H_3} - \left( {C{H_3}} \right)C = C{H_2} + {H_2}O$
This reaction is a dehydration reaction because elimination of water molecules from the reactant takes place in this reaction. Generally alcohols are dehydrated by heating them with concentrated sulphuric acid.
In this reaction one hydrogen from methyl group binds to hydroxyl group (-OH) to form water molecules.
 But hydroxyl is a poor leaving group hence copper is used as a catalyst to help in formation of water molecules.
 So, a double bond is formed between the carbon atom attached to the hydroxyl group and the carbon atom of the methyl group(from which the hydrogen left).
This results in formation of alkene.

The product formed is ${\text{2 - methylprop - 1 - ene}}$ $\left[ {C{H_3} - \left( {C{H_3}} \right)C = C{H_2}} \right]$

Note:
The uses of tert-butanol are as follows-
-It is used in preparation of peroxides.
-It is used in the manufacture of floatation agents, perfumes and flavors.
-It is used as an organic solvent and as a dehydration agent.
-It is used as a denaturant for ethanol.
-It is used in paint removers.
-It is used in fruit essence and lacquers.