Question

Preparation of ethers by acid dehydration of secondary or tertiary alcohols is not a suitable
method. Give reason.

Answer 1

The formation of ethers by dehydration of alcohol is a bimolecular reaction (SN²) involving the attack of an alcohol molecule on a protonated alcohol molecule. In the method, the alkyl group should be unhindered. In case of secondary or tertiary alcohols, the alkyl group
is hindered. As a result, elimination dominates substitution. Hence, in place of ethers, alkenes are formed.