Alkynes can be prepared by dehydration of alcohols.

Answer 1

Yes, alkynes can indeed be prepared by the dehydration of alcohols. This can be achieved by subjecting an alcohol to high temperatures and using a strong acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

During the dehydration process, the -OH group of the alcohol is eliminated, resulting in the formation of a double bond between two carbon atoms, thereby converting the alcohol into an alkyne. This reaction is similar to the dehydration of alcohols to form alkenes, but further removal of water molecules from the alkene leads to the formation of an alkyne.

For example, the dehydration of ethanol (C2H5OH) using sulfuric acid as a catalyst yields ethyne (acetylene, C2H2):

C2H5OH → C2H2 + H2O