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I started out with 2-methylcyclohexanol and made 1-ethylcyclopentene and 3-ethylcyclopentene in miniscule amounts. Can anyone explain the mechanism of the formation of these two products to me? How could it have happened, and what must have rearranged?
Thanks

[MissPhosgene]

I assume you used a strong acid as the dehydrating agent.

What happens when you put an alcohol in strong acid? Can you possibly draw any alkyl shifts which result in ring contraction?

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Yes, I used concentrated phosphoric acid for the reaction.
I know the mechanisms of the formation of 1-methylcyclohexene, 3-methylcyclohexene and methylenecyclohexane, which make up most of the product, but I don't know how to get the others.
No, I don't know how to draw any ring contractions. Are there any resources I can use, or would could you explain how it works?

[MissPhosgene]

Do you know why the cyclopentenes are minor products and the six membered rings are the major products?
If not, look up alkyl and hydride shifts.