Which compound can be considered as a dehydration reagent?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB Group D Previous Year Paper (Held on: 26 Aug 2022 Shift 2)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Concentrated sulfuric acid

Key Points

Concentrated sulfuric acid is commonly used as a dehydration reagent in chemical reactions.
It effectively removes water (H₂O) from compounds, facilitating various organic reactions.
In the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid, alcohols can be dehydrated to form alkenes, which is a typical example of its use.
Other options listed, such as ethanol, ethanoic acid, and ethene, do not function as dehydration reagents.

Additional Information

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a strong acid known for its dehydrating properties.
It is widely used in industrial processes, including the production of fertilizers, chemicals, and in petroleum refining.
In the laboratory, concentrated sulfuric acid is also used in the synthesis of esters, and in the preparation of dyes and explosives.
Due to its highly corrosive nature, concentrated sulfuric acid must be handled with care, using appropriate safety measures.