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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is a dehydration reaction?
A
Addition of water to an alkene to form an alcohol
B
Hydrolysis of an ester to form an alcohol and a carboxylic acid
C
Oxidation of a primary alcohol to an aldehyde
D
Conversion of an alcohol to an alkene
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a dehydration reaction: A dehydration reaction involves the removal of a water molecule from a compound, typically resulting in the formation of a double bond.
Identify the functional groups involved: In the conversion of an alcohol to an alkene, the starting material is an alcohol, which contains an -OH group.
Recognize the mechanism: The dehydration of an alcohol typically involves the elimination of a water molecule, where the -OH group and a hydrogen atom from an adjacent carbon are removed, forming a double bond between the two carbon atoms.
Compare with other reactions: Addition of water to an alkene is a hydration reaction, hydrolysis of an ester involves breaking a bond with water, and oxidation of a primary alcohol involves the addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen, none of which are dehydration reactions.
Conclude that the conversion of an alcohol to an alkene is the dehydration reaction, as it involves the removal of water and formation of a double bond.