Ethyl alcohol vapour is passed over alumina heated at about `250^(@)`. The major product formed in the reaciton is

Options

A. ethoxyethane
B. aluminium ethoxide
C. ethoxyethene
D. ethane

Explanation

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the reaction of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) vapor when it is passed over alumina (Al₂O₃) at a temperature of about 250°C.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants**:
- The reactant is ethyl alcohol (ethanol), which has the chemical formula C₂H₅OH.

2. **Understand the Catalyst**:
- Alumina (Al₂O₃) acts as a catalyst in this reaction. Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

3. **Consider the Temperature**:
- The reaction temperature is 250°C. This temperature is crucial as it influences the product formed. At lower temperatures, we typically see different products compared to higher temperatures.

4. **Reaction Mechanism**:
- When ethyl alcohol vapor is passed over heated alumina, it can undergo dehydration or etherification reactions depending on the temperature.
- At around 250°C, the primary reaction is the formation of diethyl ether (ethoxyethane) through the dehydration of two molecules of ethanol.

5. **Product Formation**:
- The reaction can be represented as:
\[ 2 \, \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} \xrightarrow{\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3, 250^\circ C} \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{O}\text{C}_2\text{H}_5 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
- The major product formed is diethyl ether (C₂H₅OC₂H₅), also known as ethoxyethane.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the major product formed when ethyl alcohol vapor is passed over alumina at 250°C is diethyl ether (ethoxyethane).

### Final Answer:
The major product formed in the reaction is **diethyl ether (ethoxyethane)**.

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