Question

What happens when ethanol is treated with sodium metal ? State about the behaviour of ethanol in this reaction.​

Answer 1

ch3ch2oh +na=ch3ch2ona+H2

Ethanol act as oxidizing agent as -

1. there is increase in oxidation number of sodium

2.since sodium is a electropositive element, its addition in ethanol will reduce ethanol

Answer 2

organic salt of sodium ethoxide is obtained as the product.

Explanation:

• Ethanol is an alcohol and it reacts with sodium metal to give an organic salt known as sodium ethoxide.
• CH3CH2OH +Na  -----> CH3CH2ONa + H2
• During the chemical reaction, the sodium metal replaces the hydroxyl ion and forms sodium ethoxide.
• Hydrogen gas appears in the form of bubbles on the surface of the compound.
• The sodium ethoxide is a colorless solution.