The dehydration of ammonium salt of alkanoic acids produces a compound with the general formula

Correct answer: R–C(=O)–NH₂ (amide)

Explanation: Heating (dehydrating) an ammonium salt of a carboxylic acid gives an amide. Example: NH₄CH₃COO (ammonium ethanoate) on heating → CH₃CONH₂ (ethanamide) + H₂O.

• A. R–C(=O)–OR (ester) — Esters form from acid + alcohol, not from ammonium salts by dehydration.
• B. R–C(=O)–NH₂ (amide) — Correct. Product of dehydrating ammonium carboxylate.
• C. R–NH₂ (amine) — Not formed directly in this reaction.
• D. R–C(=O)–R (ketone) — Unrelated to this dehydration.