Organic Chem- acid catalyzed reation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the major product of the acid-catalyzed hydration of 3-methyl-2-pentene, exploring the stability of carbocations involved in the reaction. It includes theoretical considerations and reasoning related to organic chemistry mechanisms.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the major product is 3-methyl-3-pentanol, reasoning that the hydroxyl group bonding to the third carbon results in a stable configuration with four substituents.
  • Another participant asserts that tertiary carbocations are the most stable, implying that this stability influences the product formed.
  • A different participant challenges the previous claim, stating that tertiary carbocations are not the most stable and provides a hierarchy of carbocation stability, listing substituted allylic as the most stable.
  • Another reply emphasizes the complexity of carbocation stability, suggesting that a more comprehensive list of carbocation types and their stability factors should be considered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the stability of carbocations, with multiple competing views presented regarding the order of stability and its implications for the reaction outcome.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for clarity on definitions and the complexity of carbocation stability, which may affect the interpretation of the reaction mechanism.

Giuseppe
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Hey can anyone help me with this question?

What is the major product from the acid-catalyzed hydration of 3-methyl-2-pentene?

a. 3-methylpentane
b. 3-methyl-1-pentanol
c. 3-methyl-2-pentanol
d. 3-methyl-3-pentanol
e. 3-methoxypentane

Would the answer by D? My reasoning is that when that OH- group bonds to the third carbon, that carbon will be bonded to 4 substituents, which is very stable. Is this correct?
 
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the one rule to remember from all of O chem is the fact that tertiary carbocations are the most stable.
 
actually you are mistaken, tertiary carbocations are not the most stable

The order is as follows:

Substituded Allylic> 3 > Allylic > 2 >1 >Vinylic > Methyl
 
Well, if you really want to be specific you'd better include benzyllic, doubly allylic, doubly benzylic, triply allylic, triply benzyllic, cations stabilized by adjacent heteroatoms, non-classical carbocations, cations destabilized by inductive withdrawing groups, and on and on...
 

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