NEET – 2026

A. H₃C-CH₃OH (ethanol) → C₆H₆ (benzene):

• Reaction Name: Dehydration of ethanol (or Decarboxylation in some cases).
• This transformation involves the removal of water (dehydration) from ethanol to form ethene (C₂H₄), followed by further dehydration to form benzene (C₆H₆).
• Intermediate: Ethene (C₂H₄), which then undergoes a second step to form benzene.
• Reagent/Condition: The reaction is typically carried out with conc. H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) and heat (Δ).

Correct Match: A → IV (Conc. H₂SO₄, Δ)

B. CH₃COOH (acetic acid) → CH₃CH₂OH (ethanol):

• Reaction Name: Reduction of acetic acid to ethanol.
• The reduction of acetic acid (CH₃COOH) to ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) typically involves the addition of hydrogen (H₂).
• Intermediate: Acetyl radical (CH₃CO·) or Hydride transfer.
• Reagent/Condition: This is typically achieved by the use of NaOH (base) and heat (Δ), which assists in the reduction.

Correct Match: B → II (NaOH, Δ)

C. CH₃CH₂OH (ethanol) → C₃H₇OH (propanol):

• Reaction Name: Hydrogenation of ethanol to propanol.
• This involves the hydrogenation of ethanol (C₂H₅OH) to form propanol (C₃H₇OH).
• Intermediate: Ethanol as the starting material, and hydrogen is added to the system.
• Reagent/Condition: The reaction is carried out using H₂ (hydrogen) and a catalyst.

Correct Match: C → III (H₂, catalyst)

D. C₆H₆OH (phenol) → C₆H₆ (benzene):

• Reaction Name: Dehydration of phenol.
• Phenol (C₆H₆OH) is converted to benzene (C₆H₆) by the elimination of water (dehydration).
• Intermediate: Phenoxide ion (C₆H₅O⁻), which is formed when phenol loses a proton.
• Reagent/Condition: Conc. H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) and heat.

Correct Match: D → I (Oleum)