We can prepare alcohol using an ether. What is typically the reagent used for ether to break down to alcohol?
Correct answer: B. HBr
- A. NaBH4
- B. HBr
- C. Na2Cr2O7
- D. Grignard reagent
Explanation
When an ether is treated with HBr, it undergoes an acid-catalyzed cleavage reaction to form an alcohol and an alkyl halide. This reaction is known as the hydrobromic acid cleavage of ethers. The mechanism of this reaction involves protonation of the ether oxygen followed by nucleophilic attack by bromide ion, leading to the formation of an alkyl bromide and an alcohol. Therefore, HBr is typically used as a reagent to break down ethers into alcohols.
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About Alcohols
Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom and are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Their nomenclature, hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation, dehydration, reaction with sodium and conversion to haloalkanes are covered, along with the distinction between alcohols and phenols, where the hydroxyl group is attached directly to an aromatic ring.
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