NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
What is the primary purpose of a protic acid in alcohol dehydration reactions?
Options
- ATo increase acidity
- BTo provide oxygen
- CTo facilitate nucleophilic attacks
- DTo enhance colour
Correct answer
C. To facilitate nucleophilic attacks
Step-by-step solution
Protic acids protonates alcohols, making them more susceptible to nucleophilic attacks, which is crucial in alcohol dehydration reactions.