Question

Write the name and molecular formula of an organic compound having its name suffixed with 'ol' and having two carbon atoms in its molecule. Write balanced chemical equation to indicate what happens when this compound is heated with excess conc. H₂SO₄ and the name of main product formed. Also state the role of conc. H₂SO₄ in the reaction.

Answer 1

Name of the organic compound : Ethanol
Molecular formula : CH₃CH₂OH
When ethanol is heated with excess concentrated sulphuric acid, it loses one water molecule and gives unsaturated hydrocarbon as a product. The balanced chemical equation indicating the reaction is given following.
\[{{CH}_3 {CH}_2 OH}_{\text{Ethanol}} \to^∆_{\text{Conc }H_2 {SO}_4} {{CH}_2 = {CH}_2}_{\text{Ethene}} + {H_2 O}_{\text{Water}}\]
Name of main product : Ethene
Role of conc. H₂SO₄ in the reaction : As a dehydrating agent that removes water molecule from ethanol.