The formation of alkene or ether in alcohol dehydration depends on the reaction conditions. For instance, the dehydration of ethanol results in ethene at 443 K, while at 413 K, ethoxyethane is the main product, showcasing the influence of temperature.
What factors influence the formation of either alkene or ether in the dehydration of alcohols, and how does the reaction conditions, such as temperature, play a role in product selectivity?
Share
The formation of either alkene or ether in the dehydration of alcohols depends on the reaction conditions and the nature of the alcohol. Higher temperatures often favor alkene formation through E1 or E2 mechanisms, especially for secondary or tertiary alcohols. Conversely, milder conditions, such as lower temperatures or the use of acidic catalysts, may promote ether formation, particularly with primary alcohols. Steric hindrance and stability of carbocation intermediates also influence product selectivity. By adjusting reaction conditions, one can control the dehydration pathway, obtaining either alkene or ether as the predominant product.