The hydrogen bromide catalysed decomposition of 3-methylbutan-2-ol

Abstract

In the presence of hydrogen bromide at 372-446ºC 3-methylbutan-2-ol decomposes into methylbutenes and water with rate

K₂=10^13.02exp(-150000/8.314T) ml mol_-1s_-1

The effects of substitution at the β-carbon atom (C3) are summarized and compared with those at the α-carbon atom (C2). A polar transition state involving mainly the α-carbon atom site is proposed.