Question

Ethyl alcohol is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid at 413 K (140°C). The major product formed is

• A. CH₃ - O - C₃H₇
• B. CH₂ = CH₂
• C. CH₃COOC₂H₅
• D. C₂H₅ - O - C₂H₅

Hint:

The dehydration of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid at high temperatures (140°C) typically leads to the formation of ethers through the removal of a water molecule, as seen in the formation of diethyl ether from ethanol.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

When ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is heated with concentrated sulfuric acid at a temperature of 413 K (140°C), the reaction is an intramolecular dehydration reaction. The ethanol undergoes a dehydration reaction where a molecule of water (H₂O) is eliminated, resulting in the formation of diethyl ether (C₂H₅ - O - C₂H₅). This reaction occurs via an elimination mechanism and is a well-known etherification reaction. The product formed is diethyl ether, which is an ether with two ethyl groups connected by an oxygen atom.
Thus, the correct answer is option (4).