Question

Write the chemical equations for the following chemical reactions and name the carbonic compound obtained.

(i) Reaction of acidified potassium dichromate solution with ethanol on heating.

(ii) Reaction of sodium metal with ethanol.

(iii) Reaction of concentrated sulphuric acid with ethanol at 443 K.

Answer 1

(i) Ethanol is oxidised to ethanoic acid with the help of acidified K2Cr2O7.

CH₃CH₂OH+2[O] → CH₃COOH+H₂O

(ii) Ethanol reacts with sodium metal to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas.

2C₂H₅OH+2Na → 2C₂H₅ONa+H₂

(iii) Ethene is formed when ethanol is heated at 443 K with concentrated sulphuric acid. Concentrated sulphuric acid acts as a dehydrating agent in this reaction and removes a molecule of water.