Two moles of acetic acid are heated with `P_(2)O_(5)`. The product formed is

Options

A. 2 moles of ethyl alcohol
B. Formic anhydride
C. Acetic anhydride
D. 2 moles of methyl cyanide

Answer

To solve the question, we need to understand the reaction between acetic acid and phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅). Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
We start with 2 moles of acetic acid, which has the chemical formula CH₃COOH.

### Step 2: Understand the Role of P₂O₅
Phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) is a dehydrating agent. It removes water (H₂O) from the reactants during the reaction.

### Step 3: Write the Reaction
When acetic acid is heated with P₂O₅, it undergoes dehydration. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ 2 \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{P}_2\text{O}_5} \text{(CH}_3\text{CO)}_2\text{O} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
This indicates that two moles of acetic acid react to form acetic anhydride (which is (CH₃CO)₂O) and water.

### Step 4: Identify the Product
The product formed from the reaction of 2 moles of acetic acid with P₂O₅ is acetic anhydride.

### Conclusion
Thus, the final product formed when two moles of acetic acid are heated with P₂O₅ is acetic anhydride.

### Final Answer
The product formed is acetic anhydride.

---