See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

## Solution: Dehydration of Cyclohexane **Step 1: Identify the reaction type** Two cyclohexane molecules undergo dehydration with concentrated $H_2SO_4$. This is an **intermolecular dehydration** reaction where two alkanes combine with loss of water. **Step 2: Reaction mechanism** - Concentrated $H_2SO_4$ protonates cyclohexane, forming a carbocation intermediate - Two cyclohexane molecules couple at their ring carbons - Water is eliminated to form a new C-C bond between the rings **Step 3: Analyze products** - Starting material: 2 cyclohexane molecules = $2 \times C_6H_{12}$ - Product must have formula: $C_{12}H_{22}$ (after losing $H_2O$) **Step 4: Why option (C) is correct** **(C) Bicyclohexyl** (cyclohexane-cyclohexane direct bond): - Two cyclohexane rings connected by a **single C-C bond** between adjacent ring carbons - Molecular formula: $C_{12}H_{22}$ ✓ - Most stable product from bimolecular condensation **Why not others:** - **(A)** Diphenyl: Would require complete aromatization (not favored here) - **(B)** Decalin: Fused bicyclic structure—requires intramolecular rearrangement; less probable - **(D)** Same as (C) but drawn differently—represents the same compound **Answer: (C)** is the most probable structure.