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Multiple Choice
In organic chemistry, what name is given to the process of converting an alcohol into an alkene by eliminating water?
A
Oxidation
B
Dehydration
C
Reduction
D
Hydration
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the process of dehydration in organic chemistry. Dehydration refers to the removal of water (H₂O) from a molecule.
Recognize that alcohols can be converted into alkenes through dehydration. This involves the elimination of a water molecule from the alcohol.
Identify the typical conditions for dehydration of alcohols, which often include the use of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) or phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) and heat.
Understand the mechanism: The acid catalyst protonates the hydroxyl group of the alcohol, making it a better leaving group. This leads to the formation of a carbocation intermediate.
Finally, a hydrogen atom is removed from an adjacent carbon atom, resulting in the formation of a double bond (alkene) and the release of a water molecule.