Give reasons why :-

1. Neopentyl alcohol on dehydration form 2-Methyl-2-butene.

2. Ethanoic acid is a weaker acid than methanoic acid.

 

Hi Sweta,

The mechanism of dehydration of neopentyl alcohol can be understood as:

 

 

 

In step II, the methyl shift takes place to generate a secondary carbocation, as it is more stable than the primary carbocation. Thus, the product 2-Methyl-2-butene is obtained.

 

2. The methyl group present in ethanoic acid has +I effect. This increases the electron density in the –OH bond.  As a result, the release of H⁺ ions will be difficult as compare to methanoic acid.

Also, the + I effect of the methyl group destabilizes the ethonate ion relative to the methonate ion by intensifying the negative charge on the carboxylate ion, thereby making the release of H⁺  ions difficult.

 

Hence, ethanoic acid is weaker acid than methanoic acid.

 

Hope it is clear to you.

Best Wishes!