Other than the starting material, 2-methylcyclohexanol, what base or bases are present in the dehydration reaction mixture to participate in proton transfers? a) H2PO4- only
b) H2O and H2PO4-
c) H2O and HSO4-
d) H2O only

c) H2O and HSO4-

Explanation:

The dehydration of 2-methylcyclohexanol occurs in the presence of H2SO4. Recall that acids are proton donors in solution; the equilibrium shown below is then set up,

H2SO4(aq)  +  H2O(l) ⇄H3O^+(aq) + HSO4^-(aq)

The species H2O and HSO4- are two proton acceptors in the system. According to the Brownstead- Lowry definition, a base is a proton acceptor in solution.

Hence H2O and HSO4- are bases present in the dehydration of 2-methylcyclohexanol.

it should have an internal chamber and two thermometers sticking out of the top. the internal chamber will also be closed off from the outside.