Question

Which of the following bond cleavage occurs in the formation of anhydride from carboxylic acid in the presence of dehydrating agent?

• A. -OH bond
• B. bond between carbonyl carbon and hydroxyl O
• C. bond between R and -COOH
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B bond between carbonyl carbon and hydroxyl O

Carboxylic acids get converted to acid anhydride in the presence of dehydrating agent like $H^{+}/△$ or $P_2{O}_5/△$. This reaction occurs due​ to cleavage of​
bond between carbonyl C and hydroxyl O​.

General reaction is as follows:

Hence, the correct answer is option (b).