Reaction mechanism of nitric acid and t-butyl alcohol? (organic chemistry)?

Question

I am trying to work out the mechanism of the reaction between nitric acid (HNO3) and t-butyl alcohol (C4H10O). I can't quite figure it out, any tips?

Answer 1

This sounds like an acid catalyzed dehyrdation of an alcohol.
Step 1: Protonation of the alcohol. This gives tBu-OH2+
Step 2: Dissociation of water. This gives tBu+ and H2O
Step 3: Water acts as a base, removing a hydrogen on a carbon next to the carbocation, and forming a double bond.

Answer 2

The net ionic would make CO2, H2O and probably some hydrogen carbonate.