Alcohols can undergo dehydration when they are mixed with phosphorus oxychloride (POCl₃) in pyridine. In the reaction between an alcohol and phosphorus oxychloride, the alcohol displaces a chloride ion from phosphorus to give an alkyl dichlorophosphate ester. The dichlorophosphate ester then reacts with pyridine base to give an E2 elimination.
Suggest a mechanism for the dehydration of cyclopentanol by POCl₃ in pyridine.

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer: (C)