Question

The intermediate product in the preparation of ethylene from ethanol and $H_{2}S{O}_4$ is:

• A. $C_2{H}_5^{+}$
• B. $C_2{H}_4$
• C. $C_2{H}_{5}HS{O}_4$
• D. $C_2{H}_5{O}^{+}{H}_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $C_2{H}_{5}HS{O}_4$

Carbocation formation is involved in the mechanism but the $+$ve charge is stabilised by $HS{O}_4^{-}$ ion which attaches itself to the carbocation forming the required intermediate which can be isolated unlike the the $+$ vely charged unstable carbocation (more of a transition state)