What functional group results from the reaction of an alcohol with an acid?

In organic chemistry, when an alcohol reacts with an acid, a dehydration reaction typically occurs, which can lead to the formation of an ether. This reaction involves the removal of a water molecule (H2O) as the alcohol and acid combine. Specifically, the hydroxyl group (-OH) from the alcohol and a hydrogen atom from the acid come together to form water, leaving behind an alkyl group bonded to the remaining part of the acid.

Ethers have the general formula R-O-R', where R and R' can be alkyl groups. The reaction can proceed through the formation of an intermediate alkyl sulfate in the presence of strong acids like sulfuric acid, which then leads to the final ether product.

The potential answers related to the other functional groups, such as aldehydes, carboxylate salts, and alkyl ammonium salts, do not directly result from the straightforward reaction of alcohol with an acid in this context. Aldehydes are typically formed through oxidation of primary alcohols, carboxylate salts involve the reaction of carboxylic acids with bases, and alkyl ammonium salts are derived from reactions involving amines and alkyl halides, rather than alcohol and acid. Therefore, the formation of