An aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol is

Options

A. neutral in nature
B. acidic in nature
C. amphoteric
D. basic in nature

Explanation

To determine the nature of an aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH), we need to analyze its behavior when dissolved in water.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ethyl Alcohol**: Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, has the chemical formula C2H5OH. It consists of an alkyl group (C2H5) and a hydroxyl group (OH).

2. **Dissociation in Water**: When ethyl alcohol is dissolved in water, it does not dissociate into ions. Unlike acids or bases, which release H+ or OH- ions, ethyl alcohol remains intact as molecules in solution.

3. **Nature of Aqueous Solutions**:
- **Neutral Solutions**: A solution is considered neutral if it does not produce H+ or OH- ions.
- **Acidic Solutions**: A solution is acidic if it increases the concentration of H+ ions in water.
- **Basic Solutions**: A solution is basic if it increases the concentration of OH- ions in water.
- **Amphoteric Solutions**: Amphoteric substances can act as either acids or bases, depending on the environment.

4. **Analysis of Ethyl Alcohol**: Since ethyl alcohol does not dissociate into H+ or OH- ions when dissolved in water, it does not alter the pH of the solution. Therefore, it does not exhibit acidic or basic properties.

5. **Conclusion**: The aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol is neutral in nature. This is because ethyl alcohol does not produce any ions in solution, confirming that it does not behave as an acid or base.

### Final Answer:
An aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol is neutral in nature.