Question

What happens when 'X' is heated with excess concentrated sulphuric acid at 443 K? Write chemical equation for the reaction stating the conditions for the reaction. Also, state the role played by concentrated sulphuric acid in the reaction.

Answer 1

When ethyl alcohol (X) is heated with excess concentrated sulfuric acid \[\ce{(H2SO4)}\] at 443 K, it undergoes dehydration to form ethylene gas \[\ce{(C2H4)}\]. The chemical equation for the reaction is:
\[\ce{CH3CH2OH ->[H2SO4] H2O + C2H4}\]
Concentrated sulphuric acid dehydrates alcohol molecules by eliminating water \[\ce{(H2O)}\] and stimulating the removal of a hydroxyl group \[\ce{(-OH)}\] and hydrogen atom \[\ce{(H)}\], resulting in the formation of water. This results in the creation of ethylene gas.