Distinguish between drying agent and dehydrating agent

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Detailed Solution

Point of Difference	Drying Agent	Dehydrating Agent
Definition	A substance that removes moisture (water present on the surface or in the air) from other substances.	A substance that removes chemically combined water (water of crystallization or hydrogen and oxygen atoms) from a compound.
Action	Absorbs only free water molecules (does not alter chemical composition).	Breaks chemical bonds to release water molecules from compounds.
Examples	Silica gel, anhydrous calcium chloride, phosphorus pentoxide (as drying).	Concentrated sulfuric acid, phosphorus pentoxide (as dehydrating), quicklime.
Result	Produces a dry substance without changing its chemical nature.	Can change the chemical composition, often leaving behind a different product.
Use	Used for drying gases, solvents, or keeping products moisture-free.	Used in chemical reactions to remove water molecules from compounds (e.g., alcohol → alkene).