Question

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

• A. Dehydrogenation reaction
• B. Dehydration reaction
• C. Oxidation reaction
• D. Addition reaction

Hint:

Tertiary alcohols undergo dehydration over heated copper at ~573 K to form alkenes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall the role of Cu catalyst at 573 K.
Cu at 573 K (300 deg C) is a dehydration catalyst for alcohols, promoting elimination of H\(_2\)O to form an alkene (not dehydrogenation, which requires higher temperature).

Step 2: Apply to tert-butanol.
tert-Butanol (2-methylpropan-2-ol) undergoes dehydration to give 2-methylpropene (isobutylene).
\[ \boxed{\text{Dehydration}} \]