What happens when 2-propanal is heated with alumina at 630

[lizzie]

what happens when 2-propanal is heated with alumina at 630 K. i want the mechanism.

 

[chemisttree]

You lost me at 2-propanal...

 

[Blueshift5]

When 2-propanal is heated with alumina at 630 K, a process known as dehydrogenation occurs. This is a type of chemical reaction in which a molecule loses hydrogen atoms to form a new compound.

The mechanism for this reaction involves the interaction of the 2-propanal molecule with the alumina surface. The alumina surface acts as a catalyst, meaning it speeds up the reaction without being consumed itself.

First, the 2-propanal molecule adsorbs onto the alumina surface, meaning it attaches to the surface through weak chemical bonds. This adsorption process weakens the bonds between the carbon and hydrogen atoms in the 2-propanal molecule.

Next, the weakened bonds are broken, resulting in the loss of two hydrogen atoms from the 2-propanal molecule. These hydrogen atoms combine with each other to form molecular hydrogen (H2) gas.

The remaining carbon and oxygen atoms in the 2-propanal molecule then react with each other, forming a new compound called acetone. This reaction is known as dehydrogenation because the 2-propanal molecule loses hydrogen atoms to form a new compound.

The alumina surface plays a crucial role in this mechanism by providing a surface for the 2-propanal molecule to adsorb onto and by weakening the bonds in the molecule. Without the presence of alumina, the dehydrogenation reaction would not occur at such a low temperature.

In conclusion, when 2-propanal is heated with alumina at 630 K, a dehydrogenation reaction takes place through a mechanism involving adsorption onto the alumina surface and subsequent bond breaking and formation. This reaction results in the formation of acetone and molecular hydrogen gas.