Question

Choose the suitable method for the preparation of butan-1-ol from butene.

• A. H₂SO₄/H₂O
• B. Hg(OAc)₂/H₂O followed by NaBH₄
• C. B₂H₆/ether followed by H₂O₂/NaOH
• D. H₂/Pd

Answer 1

The correct option is C

B₂H₆/ether followed by H₂O₂/NaOH

(a) Acid hydration of butene gives butan-2-ol as the major product.
(b) Treatment of butene with Hg(OAc)₂/H₂O followed by NaBH₄ (oximercuration-demercuration) also results in the formation of butan-2-ol via Markovnikov's rule.
(c) Hydroboration-oxidation of butene gives less substituted alcohol i.e. butan-1-ol, as the product (anti-Markovnikov's rule).
(d) Butane will be obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of butene.