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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a dehydration synthesis reaction?
A
Oxidation of an alcohol to form a ketone
B
Addition of water to an alkene to form an alcohol
C
Hydrolysis of an ester into an alcohol and a carboxylic acid
D
Formation of an ester from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of dehydration synthesis: Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction where two molecules are joined together with the removal of a water molecule. This is a key process in forming larger molecules from smaller ones.
Identify the components involved in the formation of an ester: An ester is typically formed from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. In this reaction, the hydroxyl group (OH) from the alcohol and the hydrogen (H) from the carboxylic acid combine to form water (H₂O), which is removed.
Recognize the role of dehydration in the reaction: The removal of water is the dehydration part of the synthesis. This is what differentiates dehydration synthesis from other types of reactions, such as hydrolysis, which involves the addition of water to break bonds.
Compare the given reactions: Evaluate each option to determine which involves the removal of water and the formation of a new bond. The formation of an ester from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid fits the criteria for dehydration synthesis.
Conclude with the correct identification: The formation of an ester from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid is an example of dehydration synthesis because it involves the removal of a water molecule to form a new bond between the alcohol and the carboxylic acid.