Question

In the presence of alumina catalyst,two alcohol molecules undergo dehydration to form

• A. Ester
• B. Ether
• C. Anhydride
• D. Aldehyde

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$\underset{\text{Alcohol}}{2ROH}\stackrel{A{l}_2{O}_3}{\to }\underset{\text{Ether}}{R-O-R}+H_{2}O$
Esters are formed by the condensation of an acid and alcohol in the presence of a suitable dehydrating agent. An anhydride is formed by the dehydration of a carboxylic acid.
Aldehyde cannot be formed by dehydration of alcohol but it can be formed by oxidation of alcohol.