Question

In the reaction where ethanol reacts with sodium metal to give sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas, the ethanol behaves like _______.

• A. an acid
• B. a base
• C. a salt
• D. a water

Answer 1

The correct option is A an acid

Ethanol in the presence of metal acts like an acid. So when sodium is treated with ethanol, it leads to the evolution of hydrogen gas and formation of sodium ethoxide. Sodium ethoxide is fine yellow powder. The reaction occurs as follows:

$2\text{Na}+{\text{2CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2\text{OH}\to 2{\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2\text{ONa}+{\text{H}}_2$