[cseil]

Hello everyone,
I was asked to explain what's the main product of this reaction.

I can't understand if the formation of the epoxide happens or not. What would be the main product between these two?

[Hunter2]

If its aquaeous solution the Diol will be the product. The carbocation will attack a water molecule and a H⁺ will be expelled.

The same reaction take place intramolecular, but I think the angle in a epoxide is very strong so the reaction is minor.

[orgopete]

 Would add another product. Hint, pinacol....

[cseil]

I didn't know about the pinacol rearrangement. Now I do 

You mean this product, right?

[Hunter2]

Here we go, mechanism below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinacol

[cseil]

Thank you!