Question Details

Which of the following is incorrect?

Options

A

B

C

D

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option B

Solution :

The correct option (the incorrect reaction) is shown in the second image:
CH 3 − C ( CH 3 ) 2 − OH → 573  K Cu ( CH 3 ) 2 C = O + CH 4

Explanation of why this reaction is incorrect:
When primary or secondary alcohols are passed over heated copper (Cu) at 573 K, they undergo dehydrogenation (loss of hydrogen) to form aldehydes and ketones, respectively.
However, tertiary alcohols (such as 2-methylpropan-2-ol, or tert-butyl alcohol, shown in the image with methyl groups attached to the central carbon carrying the −OH group) do not have an α-hydrogen atom. Since dehydrogenation is not possible, tertiary alcohols undergo dehydration (loss of a water molecule) under these conditions.

Therefore, the reaction of tert-butyl alcohol with heated copper at 573 K yields 2-methylpropene (isobutylene) and water, rather than acetone and methane. The correct chemical equation is:
( CH 3 ) 3 C − OH → 573  K Cu ( CH 3 ) 2 C = CH 2 + H 2 O

Analysis of the other reactions:
1. First reaction (Image 0): Ethanol (CH3−CH2−OH) reacts with concentrated H2SO4 at 443 K to undergo dehydration, producing ethene (CH2=CH2) and water. This reaction is correct.
2. Third reaction (Image 2): Propan-2-ol (CH3−CH(OH)−CH3) undergoes dehydration in the presence of 85% H3PO4 to form propene (CH3−CH=CH2) and water. This reaction is correct.
3. Fourth reaction (Image 3): Ethanol (CH3−CH2−OH), a primary alcohol, is dehydrogenated over heated copper at 573 K to yield acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and hydrogen gas (H2). This reaction is correct.

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