The acid-catalyzed intermolecular dehydration of alcohols to form ethers follows a specific pathway. What is the rate-determining step in this -type mechanism?

Question

The acid-catalyzed intermolecular dehydration of alcohols to form ethers follows a specific pathway. What is the rate-determining step in this $S_N2$ -type mechanism?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Step 1 is rapid protonation. Step 2 is the attack of a neutral alcohol molecule on the oxonium ion to displace water, which is slow and rate-determining. Step 3 is rapid deprotonation.

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