Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2015 2015Moderate

Excess of ethanol is heated with conc: sulphuric acid keeping the temperature 140°C. The product formed is

Correct answer: A. C2H5OC2H5 + H2O

  • A. C2H5OC2H5 + H2O
  • B. C2 H4
  • C. C2 H5 OH
  • D. C2 H6

Explanation

At 140°C in the presence of sulfuric acid two molecules of ethanol are dehydrated (lose a molecule of water) to form ether. The sulphuric acid is regenerated and reused. Above about 160°C (320°F) ethene is produced instead, by loss of water from just one molecule of ethanol. The reaction is the following:C2H5OH + H2SO4 -> C2H5-O-C2H5 + H2O

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About Alcohols

Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom and are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Their nomenclature, hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation, dehydration, reaction with sodium and conversion to haloalkanes are covered, along with the distinction between alcohols and phenols, where the hydroxyl group is attached directly to an aromatic ring.

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