Which of the following alcohols can be most easily dehydrated?

Options

A. `C_(2)H_(5)OH`
B. `CH_(3)-underset(CH_(3))underset(|)(CH)-OH`
C. `CH_(3) - underset(CH_(3))underset(|)overset(CH_(3))overset(|)(C)-OH`
D. `CH_(3)CH_(2)CH_(2)OH`

Answer

To determine which alcohol can be most easily dehydrated, we need to consider the stability of the carbocations that would form during the dehydration process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Dehydration Process
Dehydration of alcohols typically involves the removal of a water molecule (H₂O) to form an alkene. This process often occurs via the formation of a carbocation intermediate.

**Hint:** Remember that the stability of the carbocation plays a crucial role in the dehydration process.

### Step 2: Identify the Types of Alcohols
In the question, we have four alcohols classified as:
- A: Primary (1°) alcohol
- B: Secondary (2°) alcohol
- C: Tertiary (3°) alcohol
- D: Primary (1°) alcohol

**Hint:** Classify the alcohols based on their degree (1°, 2°, or 3°).

### Step 3: Analyze Carbocation Stability
The stability of carbocations increases in the order:
1° < 2° < 3°

This means that tertiary carbocations (3°) are the most stable, followed by secondary (2°), and primary (1°) carbocations are the least stable.

**Hint:** Recall that stability is influenced by the inductive effect and hyperconjugation.

### Step 4: Determine Which Alcohol Forms the Most Stable Carbocation
Among the given alcohols:
- Alcohol C, being tertiary, will form a tertiary carbocation upon dehydration, which is the most stable.
- Alcohol B will form a secondary carbocation.
- Alcohols A and D will form primary carbocations, which are the least stable.

**Hint:** Focus on which alcohol will lead to the most stable carbocation during the dehydration reaction.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Since alcohol C (the tertiary alcohol) forms the most stable carbocation, it can be dehydrated most easily compared to the other alcohols.

**Final Answer:** The alcohol that can be most easily dehydrated is **C (tertiary alcohol)**.