Question

The reaction, $2{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}+2\mathrm{Na}\to 2{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{ONa}+{\mathrm{H}}_2$ suggests that ethanol is

• A. Acidic in nature
• B. Basic in nature
• C. Amphoteric in nature
• D. Neutral in nature

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Acidic in nature

Explanation:

(A)

• When acids react with sodium, the evolution of hydrogen gas takes place, along with the formation of corresponding salt.
• Consider the given reaction:
• $2{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}+2\mathrm{Na}\to 2{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{ONa}+{\mathrm{H}}_2$
• In the given reaction, ethanol $\left({\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}\right)$ reacts with sodium $\left(\mathrm{Na}\right)$ resulting in hydrogen gas $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\right)$ evolution.
• Hydrogen is attached to a highly electronegative oxygen atom in ethanol.
• Thus, this hydrogen atom of ethanol can be donated in the form of ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ ions to form hydrogen gas.
• Hence, ethanol possesses acidic nature.

Hence, option (A) is correct. The reaction $2{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}+2\mathrm{Na}\to 2{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{ONa}+{\mathrm{H}}_2$ suggests that ethanol is acidic in nature.