What is the major product formed when ethanol is dehydrated with concentrated `H_2SO_4` at 413K ?

Options

A. Ethene
B. Methoxymethane
C. Methoxyethane
D. Ethoxyethane

Answer

To determine the major product formed when ethanol is dehydrated with concentrated H₂SO₄ at 413 K, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Reactants
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is the alcohol that will undergo dehydration. Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) acts as a dehydrating agent.

**Hint:** Identify the structure of ethanol and the role of concentrated sulfuric acid in the reaction.

### Step 2: Identify the Reaction Conditions
The dehydration of alcohols can lead to different products depending on the temperature. At higher temperatures (around 443 K), alkenes are typically formed, while at lower temperatures (around 413 K), ethers can be formed.

**Hint:** Recall that temperature influences the type of product formed in dehydration reactions.

### Step 3: Reaction Mechanism
When ethanol is dehydrated, two molecules of ethanol can react. The dehydration process involves the elimination of water (H₂O) from the ethanol molecules.

1. One ethanol molecule loses a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a hydrogen atom from an adjacent carbon, forming an ethyl cation (C₂H₅⁺).
2. This cation can then react with another ethanol molecule, leading to the formation of an ether.

**Hint:** Consider how two ethanol molecules can interact to form a new compound through dehydration.

### Step 4: Product Formation
The major product formed under these conditions (413 K) is ethoxyethane (C₂H₅OC₂H₅), which is a symmetrical ether.

**Hint:** Remember that ethers are formed when two alkyl groups are connected by an oxygen atom.

### Step 5: Write the Final Product
The final product of the dehydration of ethanol at 413 K with concentrated H₂SO₄ is ethoxyethane.

**Hint:** Be sure to recognize the naming conventions for ethers, which typically follow the structure of alkoxyalkanes.

### Conclusion
The major product formed when ethanol is dehydrated with concentrated H₂SO₄ at 413 K is ethoxyethane (C₂H₅OC₂H₅).

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