Question

Given below are two statements: 
Statement I: Dimethyl ether is completely soluble in water. However, diethyl ether is soluble in water to a very small extent.
Statement II: Sodium metal can be used to dry diethyl ether and not ethyl alcohol.
In the light of the given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are true

Hint:

When using sodium metal to dry ethers, ensure that the solution is free of water. Sodium reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Analyze Statement I
Dimethyl ether (\(CH_3OCH_3\)) is moderately soluble in water, but not completely. It does exhibit hydrogen bonding but due to the small size of the molecule, its solubility in water is limited. Diethyl ether (\(C_2H_5OC_2H_5\)) is only slightly soluble in water due to its larger hydrophobic ethyl groups. This statement is partially correct as diethyl ether is indeed soluble in water, but to a very small extent.
Thus, Statement I is true because it correctly describes the solubility of both ethers, although dimethyl ether’s solubility is greater than diethyl ether.
Step 2: Analyze Statement II
Sodium metal is used to dry diethyl ether because it reacts with any water present, forming sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), however, reacts with sodium metal, forming sodium ethoxide and hydrogen, and thus cannot be dried by sodium.
Thus, Statement II is true because sodium can dry diethyl ether but cannot be used for drying ethyl alcohol.