After a student completed the reaction for the acid-catalyzed dehyration of 2-methyl-2-butanol, the student then injected the sample into the gas chromatography (GC) instrument. While one peak was expected, the chromatograph produced three peaks (not including any reference or air peak). Which of the following best explains this observation?
- The heat in the GC instrument separated the molecule into three distinct fragments.
- The product polymerized while heating in the GC instrument.
- Different atoms within a molecule travel faster through the column than others travel.
- The sample was a mixture containing two isomers of the product and some leftover starting material.