JAMB Chemistry 1986 Question 46

Question 46

Alkanols

When ethanol is heated with excess concentrated sulphuric acid, the ethanol is

  1. A.oxidised to ethene
  2. B.polymerized to polyethene
  3. C.dehydrated to ethene
  4. D.dehydrated to ethyne
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (dehydrated to ethene)

Explanation

Hot excess concentrated H2SO4 removes a molecule of water from ethanol: C2H5OH → C2H4 + H2O. This is dehydration to ethene.