Why does E1 reaction occur on the OH group in levosalbutamol?

[duchuy]

Homework Statement

Where will the E1 reaction occur

Relevant Equations

x

Hi,
I have to determine the reaction mechanism of this molecule.
Can someone please explain to me why the reaction would occur on OH (A)?
Is it bc you can't have 2 pi bonds next to each other and OH(A) is the only polarised bond in the molecule where it would easily break off and form a double bond?
Thank you!

 

[TeethWhitener]

Try drawing the reaction mechanism for each case and see if you can get any further. Unfortunately there’s no great way to do chemical structure drawings in the forum, but feel free to post pictures of your work and I’ll take a look.

 

[Mayhem]

Hint: The stability of the carbocation intermediate plays a role.

 

[chemisttree]

A good rule of thumb is to use the catalyst in the first step. Doesn’t always work but it usually does.