Explain why ( S )-2-butanol forms a racemic mixture when it is heated in sulfuri

Question

Explain why (S)-2-butanol forms a racemic mixture when it is heated in sulfuric acid.

When (S)-2-butanol loses water, the asymmetric center in the reactant becomes a planar sp^2 carbon. Therefore, the chirality is lost. When sulfuric acid attacks the carbocation, it can attack from either side of the planar carbocation, forming [(R)-2-butan-2-yloxy]sulfonic acid and [(S)-2-butan-2-yloxyjsulfonic acid with equal ease. Which are hydrolysed to form racemic mixture. When (S)-2-butanol loses water, the asymmetric center in the reactant becomes a planar sp^2 carbon. Therefore, the chirality is lost. When water attacks the carbocation, it can attack from either side of the planar carbocation, forming (S)-2-butanol and (R)-2-butanol with equal ease. Sulfuric acid attacks the (S)-2-butanol to form [(S)-2-butan-2-yloxy]sulfonic acid. Which is hydrolysed to form (S)-2-butanol and (R)-2-butanol with equal ease. None of above.

Explanation / Answer

option 2 is correct

when (S)- 2- butanol looses water, the asymmetric center in the reactannt becomes a planar SP2 carbon. therefore, the chirality is lost. When water attacks the carbocation, it can attack from either side of the planar carbocaton, forming (S)-2-butanol and (R)-2-butanol with equal ease.

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