Ethyl alcohol shows acidic properties when it reacts with

Options

A. Acetic acid
B. Sodium metal
C. Hydrogen iodide
D. Acidified `K(2) Cr_(2) O_(7)`

Answer

To determine when ethyl alcohol (ethanol) shows acidic properties, we need to analyze its reaction with the given options. Ethyl alcohol is represented as C2H5OH or CH3CH2OH.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ethyl Alcohol**:
- Ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) is classified as an alcohol and is known to be a weak acid. It can donate a proton (H+) in a reaction.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A: Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)**:
- Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid and is stronger than ethanol. Therefore, in the presence of acetic acid, ethanol cannot show acidic properties because the stronger acid will dominate.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect option.

- **Option B: Sodium Metal (Na)**:
- Sodium is a strong base. When sodium reacts with ethanol, it can accept a proton (H+) from ethanol, leading to the formation of sodium ethoxide (C2H5O-) and hydrogen gas (H2).
- The reaction can be represented as:
\[ 2 \text{C2H5OH} + 2 \text{Na} \rightarrow 2 \text{C2H5O}^- \text{Na}^+ + \text{H2} \]
- Since sodium acts as a base, ethanol can demonstrate its acidic properties by donating a proton.
- **Conclusion**: Correct option.

- **Option C: Hydrogen Iodide (HI)**:
- Hydrogen iodide is a strong acid. It dissociates easily to provide H+ ions. In the presence of HI, ethanol cannot show acidic properties because HI is stronger than ethanol.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect option.

- **Option D: Acidified K2Cr2O7**:
- Acidified potassium dichromate involves strong acids (like HCl) mixed with it. Since these acids are stronger than ethanol, ethanol cannot display its acidic properties in this scenario.
- **Conclusion**: Incorrect option.

3. **Final Answer**:
- Ethyl alcohol shows acidic properties when it reacts with **sodium metal (Option B)**.