This question comes from an experiment synthesizing an alcohol. Explain the effect of the following experimental errors on your results:

a) You add hexane to the reaction flask instead of 1-hexene

b) You use 3% hydrogen peroxide instead of 30%

c) You forget to add potassium carbonate in the seperation step.

Answer:

1.If we add hexane in place of hexene then substrate for oxidation will not be available as we can synthesise alcohol from alkene easily.

2. The oxidation of alkene will be affected due to less concentration of peroxide. If it is borohydration followed by oxidation of alkene then the reaction will not proceed till end for good yield

3. The addition of potassium carbonate separate the organic layer (alcohol) from wate. The presence of electrolyte affects the formation of hydrogen bond between alcohol and water which is required for their miscibility in each other.