Which of the alcohols shown below will dehydrate to produce this alkene?
C) both a and b
D) neither a nor b

Question

Which of the alcohols shown below will dehydrate to produce this alkene? 
C) both a and b 
D) neither a nor b

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both alcohols shown can undergo E1 dehydration to produce the same alkene. The reaction involves protonation of the alcohol to form a good leaving group, followed by loss of a water molecule and formation of a carbocation intermediate. The carbocation can then undergo elimination of a proton from the beta carbon to form the alkene.

Which of the Alcohols Shown Below Will Dehydrate to Produce