Among the following compound which can be dehydrated very easily is
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)
(C)(see structure)✓ Correct
(D)(see structure)
Answer: (C)
Solution
Dehydration of an alcohol runs through a carbocation, so it comes easiest for the alcohol giving the most stable cation, which puts tertiary ahead of secondary ahead of primary. The tertiary alcohol among the choices, with its hydroxyl on a carbon joined to three other carbons, loses water most readily to form a stable tertiary carbocation and then an alkene, so it is the one dehydrated most easily.
JEE Main · 2004 · 24 Apr 2004 · Offline · Single correct option