Question

The major product obtained when ethanol is heated with excess of conc. \(H_2SO_4\) at 443 K is

• A. Ethane
• B. Ethene
• C. Methane
• D. Ethyne

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

When ethanol is heated with excess concentrated \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\), it undergoes dehydration, resulting in the elimination of water molecules and the formation of an alkene. In this case, ethanol \(\text{(C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH)}\) loses a water molecule \(\text{(H}_2\text{O)}\) to form ethene \(\text{(C}_2\text{H}_4)\)
The reaction can be represented as follows:
\(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} \rightarrow \text{C}_2\text{H}_4 + \text{H}_2\text{O}\)
Therefore, the major product obtained under these conditions is ethene (option B).