Organic Chemistry - Reaction scheme and structures of molecules Compound P and compound Q are straight-chain constitutional (structural) isomers with the
molecular formula C5H12O. Compound P can form optical isomers, whereas compound Q
cannot.
When reacted with concentrated sulfuric acid, compound P forms two products, compounds
R and S; compound Q forms only one product, compound S.



How come compound Q is pentan-1-ol and not pentan-3-ol?
Q is pentan-1-ol and not pentan-3-ol as on dehydration, of pental-1-ol, only one product (alkene) is formed. Whereas on dehydration of pentan-3-ol, we get two alkenes, as the alkene can show geometrical isomerism.