Preparation of ethers by acid dehydration of secondary or tertiary alcohols is not a suitable method. Give reason.
Dehydration of alcohol to form ether is a bimolecular reaction (SN2 mechanism). This is suitable for unhindered alcohols. In secondary and tertiary alcohols, the alkyl groups create steric hindrance and the nucleophillic attack becomes difficult. Hence, elimination to form alkene is favored over substitution to form ether. Hence, preparation of ethers by acid dehydration of secondary or tertiary alcohols is not a suitable method.
