`CH_(3)COOH overset (Delta) underset (P_(2)O_(5)) to X.` Identify `X`

Options

A. `CH_(3)COCH_(3)`
B. `CH_(3)CHO`
C. `(CH_(3)CO)_(2)O`
D. `CH_(4)`

Answer

To solve the question, we need to determine what happens when acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is heated in the presence of phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅). Let's break down the steps involved in this reaction.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants**:
The reactant given is acetic acid, which has the molecular formula CH₃COOH.

2. **Understand the Role of P₂O₅**:
Phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) is a strong dehydrating agent. This means that it will remove water (H₂O) from the reactants during the reaction.

3. **Write the Reaction**:
When two molecules of acetic acid are heated with P₂O₅, the reaction can be represented as:
\[ 2 \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \overset{\Delta}{\rightarrow} \text{CH}_3\text{CO} - \text{O} - \text{C} \text{OCH}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
Here, the water molecule is removed.

4. **Identify the Product**:
The product formed from this reaction is acetic anhydride. The structure can be simplified as:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{CO} - \text{O} - \text{C} \text{OCH}_3 \]
This can also be written as:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{CO}_2\text{O} \]
This indicates that the product is acetic anhydride.

5. **Conclusion**:
Therefore, the compound X formed from the reaction of acetic acid with P₂O₅ is acetic anhydride, which has the formula CH₃CO₂O.

### Final Answer:
The compound X is **CH₃CO₂O (acetic anhydride)**.