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What kind of molar proportions should i think of when dehydrating a carboxylic acid with P2O5? how much pyridine should i add as a solvent?
Accepted Answer
Dehydrating a carboxylic acid with P2O5 is a classic method for producing an anhydride. The molar proportions depend on the specific acid you're using and the desired yield. Typically, a 1:1 molar ratio of carboxylic acid to P2O5 is sufficient. Pyridine acts as a base to neutralize the water formed during the dehydration, but the amount is usually not critical and depends on the scale of your reaction. A small excess (around 10-20% molar excess) is often used to ensure complete reaction. Remember to use P2O5 carefully, as it is a strong desiccant and reacts violently with water.
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