Problem 47
Question
Ether is obtained by the reaction of ethyl alcohol and \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) at (a) \(474 \mathrm{~K}\) (b) \(383 \mathrm{~K}\) (c) \(413 \mathrm{~K}\) (d) \(273 \mathrm{~K}\)
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
Ether is obtained at 413 K.
1Step 1: Understanding Ether Formation
To begin, we need to understand the chemical reaction involved: the formation of ether (commonly diethyl ether) typically occurs through the dehydration of ethyl alcohol using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. This reaction is sensitive to temperature.
2Step 2: Exploring Temperature Effects
The temperature at which the reaction occurs significantly influences the products formed. At lower temperatures, sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst to form diethyl ether, whereas at higher temperatures, it leads to the formation of ethylene.
3Step 3: Identifying Suitable Temperature
For the efficient production of ether, the optimal temperature is around 413 K. At this temperature, sulfuric acid facilitates the dehydration of ethyl alcohol selectively to produce ether, while minimizing by-products like ethylene.
4Step 4: Checking Given Options
Review the given temperature options: (a) 474 K, (b) 383 K, (c) 413 K, and (d) 273 K. Only one of these options, 413 K, falls within the optimal range for ether production.
Key Concepts
Ethyl AlcoholSulfuric AcidDehydration ReactionTemperature Effects in Reactions
Ethyl Alcohol
Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a common alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and used in various industrial applications. Chemically, it is represented by the formula \( ext{C}_2 ext{H}_5 ext{OH}\), indicating two carbon atoms. Ethanol is well-known for its ability to act as a versatile solvent and as a substrate in chemical reactions like dehydration to produce ethers.
In the context of ether formation, ethyl alcohol serves as the starting material. It is dehydrated under the influence of sulfuric acid to form diethyl ether. The alcohol molecules donate hydroxyl groups, which combine to release water and form the ether linkage, \( ext{R-O-R'}\).
In the context of ether formation, ethyl alcohol serves as the starting material. It is dehydrated under the influence of sulfuric acid to form diethyl ether. The alcohol molecules donate hydroxyl groups, which combine to release water and form the ether linkage, \( ext{R-O-R'}\).
- Used in various industries as a solvent and feedstock.
- Dehydrated to form ethers when reacted with suitable catalysts.
- Involves breaking and forming of bonds to yield diethyl ether.
Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid with the formula \( ext{H}_2 ext{SO}_4\). It is a colorless, oily liquid known for its powerful dehydrating properties.
In ether formation, sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst. This means that it speeds up the reaction between ethyl alcohol molecules without being consumed in the process. The sulfuric acid promotes the removal of a water molecule from ethyl alcohol, facilitating the formation of an ether link.
In ether formation, sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst. This means that it speeds up the reaction between ethyl alcohol molecules without being consumed in the process. The sulfuric acid promotes the removal of a water molecule from ethyl alcohol, facilitating the formation of an ether link.
- Functions as a catalyst in the dehydration of ethyl alcohol.
- Possesses strong acid characteristics which drive the reaction forward.
- Not consumed in the reaction, allowing it to catalyze multiple alcohol molecules.
Dehydration Reaction
Dehydration reactions are chemical processes where a molecule of water is removed from a compound.
In the formation of ethers, dehydration of ethyl alcohol involves the elimination of water, facilitated by sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The reaction typically proceeds at moderate temperatures such as 413 K. During this reaction, the hydroxyl group from one ethyl alcohol molecule combines with the hydrogen from another, resulting in water and forming the ether bond.
In the formation of ethers, dehydration of ethyl alcohol involves the elimination of water, facilitated by sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The reaction typically proceeds at moderate temperatures such as 413 K. During this reaction, the hydroxyl group from one ethyl alcohol molecule combines with the hydrogen from another, resulting in water and forming the ether bond.
- Involves removal of water from the starting compound.
- Utilizes sulfuric acid to drive the reaction.
- Forms ethers by creating bonds between alcohol molecules.
Temperature Effects in Reactions
Temperature plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of chemical reactions.
In the dehydration of ethyl alcohol to form ethers, temperature is a key factor. At approximately 413 K, the reaction selectively produces diethyl ether. If the temperature is too low or too high, the reaction might not proceed efficiently or may favor the formation of ethylene as a by-product. This specificity is crucial for achieving the desired product in industrial settings.
In the dehydration of ethyl alcohol to form ethers, temperature is a key factor. At approximately 413 K, the reaction selectively produces diethyl ether. If the temperature is too low or too high, the reaction might not proceed efficiently or may favor the formation of ethylene as a by-product. This specificity is crucial for achieving the desired product in industrial settings.
- Optimal temperature for ether formation is around 413 K.
- Higher temperatures may lead to the production of ethylene instead of ether.
- Temperature regulation is essential for minimizing unwanted by-products.
Other exercises in this chapter
Problem 45
When benzenediazonium chloride is treated with water, the compound formed is (a) \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{COOH}\) (b) \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}
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On reacting with oxalic acid at \(503 \mathrm{~K}\), glycerol gives (a) formic acid (b) glyceraldehyde (c) allyl alcohol (d) none of these
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When phenol is treated with an excess of bromine water, it gives (a) \(2,4,6\)-tribromophenol (b) 2,4 -dibromophenol (c) o-and p-bromophenols (d) m-bromophenol
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The reaction of an aromatic aryl chloride and phenol in the presence of the base \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) or pyridine, is called (a) Kolbe's reaction (b) Perkin reacti
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