Question

When (excess) $C_2{H}_{5}OH$ is heated at $140°C$ in presence of Conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$, then the product obtained is?

• A. Diethyl ether
• B. Ethene
• C. Ethyl hydrogen sulphate
• D. Ethylene

Answer 1

The correct option is A Diethyl ether

When excess ethanol is heated with sulphuric acid, we get Diethyl ether.
$C_2{H}_{5}OH\left(\text{excess}\right)\stackrel{Conc.H_{2}S{O}_4}{\to }\underset{\text{Diethyl ether}}{C_2{H}_5-O-C_2{H}_5}$
But when excess Sulphuric acid is used, it behaves like a dehydrating agent and we get ethene.
$C_2{H}_{5}OH\stackrel{\text{excess}Conc.H_{2}S{O}_4}{\to }\underset{\text{Ethene}}{C_2{H}_4}$