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when synthesizing t-butyl chloride to t-butyl alcohol what is the purpose of sod

ID: 971687 • Letter: W

Question

when synthesizing t-butyl chloride to t-butyl alcohol what is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate extraction, concentrated hydrochloric acid, and anhydrous magnesium sulfate when synthesizing t-butyl chloride to t-butyl alcohol what is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate extraction, concentrated hydrochloric acid, and anhydrous magnesium sulfate when synthesizing t-butyl chloride to t-butyl alcohol what is the purpose of sodium bicarbonate extraction, concentrated hydrochloric acid, and anhydrous magnesium sulfate

Explanation / Answer

When synthesizing t-butyl chloride from t-butyl alcohol, concentrated HCl strong acid acts as dehydrating agent. It protonates t-butyl alcohol and in the next step H2O is removed giving a carbocation intermediate.

NaHCO3 extraction is used to neutralize any traces of HCl remaining in the solution after the reaction. NaHCO3 removes HCl, the reaction results in the formation of CO2 gas and water.

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is hygroscopic. It absorbs water and so is used to absorb any traces of water remianign in the product.