Rate of dehydration of alcohols follows the order

Options

A. `2^(@) gt 1^(@) gt CH_(3)OH gt 3^(@)`
B. `3^(@) gt 2^(@) gt 1^(@) gt CH_(3)OH`
C. `2^(@) gt 3^(@) gt 1^(@) gt CH_(3)OH`
D. `CH_(3)OH gt 1^(@) gt 2^(@) gt 3^(@)`

Explanation

To determine the order of dehydration of alcohols, we need to consider the stability of the carbocations formed during the dehydration process. The dehydration of alcohols involves the removal of a water molecule, resulting in the formation of a double bond (alkene). The rate of dehydration is influenced by the stability of the carbocation intermediate that is formed.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Dehydration**:
- Dehydration of alcohols refers to the elimination of a water molecule (H₂O) from the alcohol, leading to the formation of alkenes.
- The general reaction can be represented as:
\[ R-OH \rightarrow R=CH_2 + H_2O \]

2. **Carbocation Formation**:
- During dehydration, the alcohol first forms a carbocation intermediate. The stability of this carbocation is crucial for the rate of the reaction.
- Carbocations can be classified based on the number of alkyl groups attached to the positively charged carbon:
- **Tertiary (3°) Carbocation**: Three alkyl groups attached (most stable).
- **Secondary (2°) Carbocation**: Two alkyl groups attached.
- **Primary (1°) Carbocation**: One alkyl group attached (least stable).
- **Methyl Carbocation (CH₃⁺)**: No alkyl groups attached (very unstable).

3. **Stability Order of Carbocations**:
- The stability of carbocations follows this order:
\[ \text{Tertiary (3°) > Secondary (2°) > Primary (1°) > Methyl (CH₃⁺)} \]

4. **Rate of Dehydration**:
- Since the rate of dehydration is directly related to the stability of the carbocation, we can conclude:
- Tertiary alcohols dehydrate the fastest because they form the most stable carbocations.
- Secondary alcohols are next, followed by primary alcohols.
- Methyl alcohol (methanol) does not form a stable carbocation and thus has the slowest rate of dehydration.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the order of dehydration of alcohols is:
\[ \text{Tertiary > Secondary > Primary > Methyl} \]

### Final Answer:
The rate of dehydration of alcohols follows the order: **Tertiary > Secondary > Primary > Methyl**.

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