Question

Give a balanced equation for the lab. Preparation of ethylene. How is the gas collected?

Answer 1

\[\ce{\underset{(Ethyl alcohol)}{C2H5OH} + \underset{(conc.)}{H2SO4} ->[<160^\circ C] \underset{sulphate]}{\underset{[Ethyl hydrogen}{C2H5HSO4}} + H2O}\]

\[\ce{\underset{sulphate]}{\underset{[Ethyl hydrogen}{C2H5HSO4}} ->[< 160^\circ C][Excess of H2SO4] \underset{[Ethene or Ethylene]}{C2H4} + H2SO4}\]

The gas is collected by downward displacement of water because it is insoluble in water and it is an inflammable gas.