Final answer:
Alcohols can be dehydrated to form either alkenes or ethers depending on the conditions. Higher temperature and excess acid lead to the formation of alkenes, while lower temperature and excess alcohol result in the formation of ethers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcohols can be dehydrated to form either alkenes or ethers depending on the conditions. Higher temperature and excess acid lead to the formation of alkenes, while lower temperature and excess alcohol result in the formation of ethers. For example, the dehydration of two alcohol molecules, CH₂CH₂OH and HOCH₂CH₂, can produce an ether with two ethyl groups attached to an oxygen atom. It is important to note that primary alcohols are oxidized to form aldehydes, secondary alcohols form ketones, and tertiary alcohols are not readily oxidized.