Question

A compound 'X' on heating with excess conc. sulphuric acid at 443 K gives an unsaturated compound 'Y', 'X' also reacts with sodium metal to evolve a colourless gas 'Z' .Identify 'X' , 'Y' and 'Z' .Write the equation of the chemical reaction of formation of 'Y' and also write the role of sulphuric acid in the reaction.

Answer 1

Compound X is Ethanol, Y is Ethene and Z is Hydrogen gas.

Concentrated sulphuric acid acts as a dehydrating agent in this reaction and removes a molecule of water. When Ethanol (x) reacts with sodium colorless Hydrogen gas (z) is evolved.

2CH₃CH₂OH + Na→ C₂H₅ONa + H₂