The prefix “inter” means “between” or “in the middle”, thus, the organic reaction of intermolecular dehydration of alcohols occurs between molecules of the same substance (of the same alcohol) or of different substances (of mixtures of alcohols) with the output of a molecule of Water. There is also the formation of a ether.
As in the reaction of Intramolecular Dehydration of Alcohols, in intermolecular dehydration the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid is also necessary, however, in this In this case, the temperature is lower, being around 140°C, while in the intramolecular it is around 170°C.
See how this happens in the reaction below:
This type of reaction is more common in primary alcohols, with secondary and mainly tertiary alcohols tending to carry out intramolecular dehydration.
In the case above, the molecules that reacted were from the same alcohol. Now see how this happens in a mixture of alcohols:
The ethers formed are the result of several possible combinations between the molecules of alcohols.
By Jennifer Fogaça
Graduated in Chemistry
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/desidratacao-intermolecular-dos-Alcoois.htm
