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JAMB Chemistry 1979 Question 46

Question 46

Alkanols

When excess ethanol is heated to 145°C in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid, the product is

  1. A.diethyl ether
  2. B.ethyne
  3. C.diethyl sulphate
  4. D.acetone
  5. E.ethanoic acid
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (diethyl ether)

Explanation

With excess ethanol at about 140–145°C, two ethanol molecules lose one water molecule to form diethyl ether (ethoxyethane). At higher temperatures (about 170°C) ethene forms instead.