Two moles of acetic acid are heated with , The product formed is — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Dehydration of Acetic Acid with P₂O₅ **Step 1: Identify the reactant and reagent** - Reactant: Acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$) — 2 moles - Reagent: $P_2O_5$ (phosphorus pentoxide) — a strong dehydrating agent **Step 2: Understand the reaction mechanism** $P_2O_5$ is a powerful dehydrating agent that removes water molecules. When two moles of acetic acid are heated with $P_2O_5$, two acetic acid molecules condense by eliminating one water molecule between them. **Step 3: Write the condensation reaction** $$2\,CH_3COOH \xrightarrow{P_2O_5, \text{heat}} CH_3-CO-O-CO-CH_3 + H_2O$$ **Step 4: Identify the product** The product is **acetic anhydride** (also written as $(CH_3CO)_2O$) **Why this is correct:** - Acetic anhydride forms through intermolecular dehydration between two carboxylic acid molecules - The $-OH$ from one acid and an $-H$ from the other acid's carbonyl region combine to form water - $P_2O_5$ catalyzes and drives this condensation reaction forward The answer is **acetic anhydride** (Option C).