Question

what is a suitable reagent for dehydrating an alcohol?

Answer 1

depends what type of alcohol (such as primary, secondary, or tertiary alcohol). But you should use a very strong acid such H2SO4 or H3PO4. Depending on the type of alcohol, you would use the appropriate acid under certain conditions.
For primary, you'd use very concentrated acid in temperatures about 180+.
secondary, you could use ~ 85% H3PO4 or ~ 50% H2SO4 in temperatures about 140-170C
tertiary, you could use ~50% H3PO4 or ~25% H2SO4 in temps <120C

Answer 2

thank you!!