Question

Write equations for:
(i) Preparation of ethanol by hydration of C2H4.
(ii) Preparation of acetic acid from ethanol.

Answer 1

I) Ethanol is prepared on large scale from ethene by addition of water vapour in presence of  catalyst like P2O5 at high pressure and temperature.

                            catalyst
CH2= H2 + H2O ----------------> CH3CH2OH
Ethene                 at 300°c         Ethanol


2)Ethyl Alcohol undergoes oxidation to form the product Ethanal and finally Acetic acid.

                     Alk. KMNO4
CH3CH2OH ----------------------->CH3CHO-------->CH3COOH

Ethanol                                      Ethanal                 Ethanoic acid

Answer 2

Br2 Alc. CH3 CH3 > C2H5Br > CH2 = CH2 Ethane hv Ethyl bromide KOH Ethene