Question

Dilute acetylene is passed through dil $H_{2}S{O}_4$ in the presence of $HgS{O}_4$, the compound formed is

• A. Ethanol
• B. Acetone
• C. Acetic acid
• D. Ethanal

Answer 1

The correct option is A Ethanol

In presence of acid $HgS{O}_4$, water molecule will be added to acetylene. The metal catalyst will act as promoter. The final product is Ethanal. The reaction is called Kucherov Reaction.

The given figure represents the reaction.