Question

Convert Ethanol into sodium ethoxide.

Hint:

This reaction is often used as a test for the presence of the \(-OH\) group in organic compounds, as the evolution of \(H_2\) gas causes brisk effervescence.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Alcohols react with active metals like Sodium (\(Na\)) to form metal alkoxides and evolve hydrogen gas. This demonstrates the acidic nature of alcohols.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
When ethanol (\(C_2H_5OH\)) is treated with sodium metal, the acidic hydrogen of the hydroxyl group is replaced by the sodium ion.
Reaction:
\[ 2C_2H_5OH + 2Na \rightarrow 2C_2H_5ONa + H_2 \uparrow \]
The product formed is Sodium ethoxide.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Ethanol reacts with metallic sodium to give sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas.