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 $P_2O_5$ **Step 1: Identify the reaction type** $P_2O_5$ is a strong dehydrating agent. When two moles of acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$) are heated with $P_2O_5$, a **condensation reaction** occurs with elimination of water. **Step 2: Write the condensation equation** Two moles of acetic acid condense: $$2 CH_3COOH \xrightarrow{P_2O_5, \Delta} CH_3-CO-O-CO-CH_3 + H_2O$$ **Step 3: Identify the product** The product is **acetic anhydride** ($CH_3CO)_2O$ or $AC_2O$). The two carboxyl groups lose $-OH$ and $-H$ respectively, forming an anhydride linkage ($-CO-O-CO-$). **Why C is correct:** Acetic anhydride is the characteristic product when acetic acid is dehydrated using $P_2O_5$. The dehydrating agent removes water molecules from two carboxylic acid molecules, resulting in anhydride formation.