Question

The reaction of ethanol with $H_{2}S{O}_4$ does not give:

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

Answer 1

The correct option is C $C_2{H}_2$

Ethanol when heated with $H_{2}S{O}_4$ at 443 K undergoes dehydration to give ethene.

$H_2\underset{H}{\underset{|}{C}}-\underset{OH}{\underset{|}{C}}{H}_2+H_{2}S{O}_4\to H_{2}C=C{H}_2+H_{2}O$

When the reaction takes place at 413 K, then the formation of diethyl ether takes place.

$H_2\underset{H}{\underset{|}{C}}-\underset{OH}{\underset{|}{C}}{H}_2+H_{2}S{O}_4\to C_2{H}_{5}O{C}_2{H}_5$

Reaction of ethanol with $H_{2}S{O}_4$ below 413 K, when the acid is added drop-wise to ethanol, then ethyl hydrogen sulphate is formed.

$H_2\underset{H}{\underset{|}{C}}-\underset{OH}{\underset{|}{C}}{H}_2+H_{2}S{O}_4\to C_2{H}_{5}HS{O}_4$