Read the passage carefully and answer the Questions.

Ethers with the general formula $C_nH_{2n+2}O$ and functional group C-O-C may be divided as symmetrical and unsymmetrical. Lower symmetrical ether may be obtained by the dehydration of alcohols at low temeratures in the presence of protic acids, such as $H_2SO_4$ and $H_3PO_4$ wheras at high temperature intramolecular dehydration takes place. Formation of ether from primary alcohols is also accompanied by the formation of small amount of alkenes. Due to the stearic hinderance, secondary and tertiary alcohols undergo elimination reaction rather than substitution reaction yielding alkene as major product. Ethers can also be obtained by heating alkyl halides with sodium or potassium alkoxides. Substituted Ethers (secondary & tertiary) can also be prepared using this method. If primary halides are replaced with secondary and tertiary halides, alkenes are the major products.

The major product in the following reaction is

C

The correct answer is Option (3) → C

The given reactant is propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol).

Reaction conditions: Conc. $H_2SO_4, 140^\circ C$

Important concept

According to the passage:

• Primary alcohols at 140°C $\rightarrow$ ethers (intermolecular dehydration)
• Secondary and tertiary alcohols $\rightarrow$ elimination reaction $\rightarrow$ alkenes

Propan-2-ol is a secondary alcohol. Due to steric hindrance, substitution (ether formation) is difficult and elimination occurs, producing an alkene.

Reaction

The product formed is propene.

Correct answer format

The correct answer is Option (C) $\rightarrow$ Propene $(CH_3-CH=CH_2)$.

Summary of Products

A: Diisopropyl ether (Requires specific conditions, not favored here due to hindrance).

B: Diethyl ether (Incorrect; the starting material has 3 carbons, not 2).

C: Propene (The major product due to secondary alcohol elimination).

D: Di-tert-butyl ether (Incorrect; uses the wrong starting material).