Question

A compound x on heating with excess conc. Sulphuric acid at 443 k gives anunsaturated compound y. x also reacts with sodium metal to evolve a colourlessgas z. Identify x, y and z. Write the equation of the chemical reaction offormation of y and also write the role of sulphuric acid in the reaction.

Answer 1

i) X is CH3CH2OH i.e. ethanol

Y is C2H4 i.e. ethene

Z is H2 gas

ii) CH3CH2OH in hot conc. Of H2SO4 gives C2H4 +H2O

iii) Heating ethanol at 443K with excess H2SO4 results in the dehydration of ethanol to give ethene.