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NEET CHEMISTRYAlcohols, Phenols and EthersEasy

Question

Which of the following is produced when the vapours of secondary alcohol are passed over heated copper at 573 K?

A

A carboxylic acid

B

An aldehyde

C

A ketone

D

An alkene

Step-by-Step Solution

When vapours of a secondary alcohol are passed over heated copper at 573 K, the alcohol undergoes dehydrogenation (removal of hydrogen). The molecule loses one hydrogen atom from the hydroxyl group (-OH) and one from the alpha-carbon atom, forming a ketone.

Reaction: RCH(OH)RCu,573KRCOR+H2R-CH(OH)-R' \xrightarrow{Cu, 573 K} R-CO-R' + H_2

Comparison:

  • Primary alcohols under the same conditions form aldehydes.
  • Tertiary alcohols undergo dehydration to form alkenes because they lack an alpha-hydrogen.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

CHEMISTRYAlcohols, Phenols and Ethersfollowingproducedvapourssecondaryalcohol

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