Polyhydric alcohols in 10% H2SO4

[jmarjorie]

Dear All,

 

Will the following polyhydric alcohols undergo any reaction or be affected by the presence of 10% H2SO4 at 80 degrees Centigrade ?

My main concern is if dehydration / elimination takes place leading to the formation of an Alkene.

 

A ) CH2OH . C(CH3)OH . CHOH . CH2OH

 

B ) CH2OH . C(CH3)OH . CH2 . CH2 . CH2 . CH(CH3) . CHOH . CH2OH

 

[ I thought of carrying out the above reaction and testing with bromine water, but it may not be satisfactory as substitution of -OH group can occur.

Also, if at all elimination takes place the -Br adds onto the C = C.

In both cases decolorization of bromine water takes place and this test may be inconclusive. ]