Which product can mainly form when ethanol is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Ethene
When ethanol is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid at about 443 K, the acid acts mainly as a dehydrating agent. It removes a molecule of water from ethanol, producing ethene: CH3CH2OH → CH2=CH2 + H2O. Therefore option A is correct. Ethane would require reduction, ethanoic acid requires oxidation, and sodium ethoxide would require sodium rather than sulphuric acid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Ethene
Why is this the correct answer?
When ethanol is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid at about 443 K, the acid acts mainly as a dehydrating agent. It removes a molecule of water from ethanol, producing ethene: CH3CH2OH → CH2=CH2 + H2O. Therefore option A is correct. Ethane would require reduction, ethanoic acid requires oxidation, and sodium ethoxide would require sodium rather than sulphuric acid.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Carbon and its Compounds.
