Which reaction type is used to convert alcohols into alkenes?

The conversion of alcohols into alkenes occurs through an elimination reaction. This type of reaction involves the removal of a molecule from a saturated compound to form an unsaturated compound, in this case, resulting in the formation of an alkene from an alcohol.

In the process of elimination, typically a hydroxyl group (OH) is removed from the alcohol, along with a hydrogen atom from an adjacent carbon atom. This removal leads to the creation of a double bond between the carbon atoms, producing the alkene. Notably, this reaction often requires strong acids or heat to facilitate the elimination of water (H2O) from the alcohol.

Other reaction types listed are not suitable for this conversion. For example, substitution reactions involve the replacement of one functional group by another, which does not lead to the formation of an alkene. Similarly, condensation reactions typically involve combining two molecules with the loss of a smaller molecule, while hydrolysis refers to the reaction with water leading to the breakdown of compounds, neither of which directly produces alkenes from alcohols. Thus, the elimination reaction is the appropriate mechanism for converting alcohols to alkenes.