Question

Ethanol on heating with conc. H\(_2\)SO\(_4\) at 413 K gives:

• A. \( C_2H_5OSO_3H \)
• B. \( C_2H_5 - O - CH_3 \)
• C. \( C_2H_5 - O - C_2H_5 \)
• D. \( CH_2 = CH_2 \)

Hint:

- At 413 K, ethanol forms ether due to intermolecular dehydration. - At 443 K, ethanol forms alkene via intramolecular dehydration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

When ethanol is heated with conc. sulfuric acid (H\(_2\)SO\(_4\)) at 413 K, it undergoes an intermolecular dehydration reaction, leading to the formation of diethyl ether (\( C_2H_5-O-C_2H_5 \)): \[ 2C_2H_5OH \xrightarrow{\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4, 413 K} C_2H_5-O-C_2H_5 + H_2O \] - This reaction occurs at lower temperature (413 K), favoring ether formation. - At higher temperatures (443 K), ethanol undergoes elimination to form ethene (\( CH_2=CH_2 \)).