Which statement correctly identifies the product of intermolecular dehydration of alcohols?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement correctly identifies the product of intermolecular dehydration of alcohols?

Intermolecular dehydration of alcohols yields an ether. When two alcohol molecules react under acid and heat, they lose a molecule of water and form a new O–R–O linkage: R–OH + HO–R' → R–O–R' + H2O. For example, two molecules of ethanol give diethyl ether and water (CH3CH2OH + CH3CH2OH → CH3CH2–O–CH2CH3 + H2O). This is why the product is an ether, not an alcohol, ketone, or alkane. In contrast, intramolecular dehydration pathways tend to form alkenes rather than ethers.

Intermolecular dehydration of alcohols yields an ether. When two alcohol molecules react under acid and heat, they lose a molecule of water and form a new O–R–O linkage: R–OH + HO–R' → R–O–R' + H2O. For example, two molecules of ethanol give diethyl ether and water (CH3CH2OH + CH3CH2OH → CH3CH2–O–CH2CH3 + H2O). This is why the product is an ether, not an alcohol, ketone, or alkane. In contrast, intramolecular dehydration pathways tend to form alkenes rather than ethers.

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