Which gas is released when sodium metal reacts with ethanol?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Hydrogen
Ethanol contains a hydroxyl (–OH) group whose hydrogen can be displaced by a sufficiently reactive metal such as sodium. The reaction is 2C₂H₅OH + 2Na → 2C₂H₅ONa + H₂. Thus sodium ethoxide is formed and hydrogen gas is released. Carbon dioxide is associated with combustion or reactions involving carbonates, oxygen is not the product here, and chlorine is unrelated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Hydrogen
Why is this the correct answer?
Ethanol contains a hydroxyl (–OH) group whose hydrogen can be displaced by a sufficiently reactive metal such as sodium. The reaction is 2C₂H₅OH + 2Na → 2C₂H₅ONa + H₂. Thus sodium ethoxide is formed and hydrogen gas is released. Carbon dioxide is associated with combustion or reactions involving carbonates, oxygen is not the product here, and chlorine is unrelated.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Carbon and its Compounds. Topic: Functional groups.
