Dehydration of ethanol gives which among the following?

The correct answer is ethene.

Key Points

• Dehydration of ethanol involves the removal of a water molecule (H2O) from an ethanol molecule.
• This process typically requires the presence of a strong acid catalyst, such as concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) or phosphoric acid (H3PO4).
• When ethanol is heated with a strong acid catalyst, it undergoes a reaction to form ethene (C2H4), a simple alkene.
• The chemical equation for this dehydration reaction is: C2H5OH → C2H4 + H2O.
• Ethene is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet smell and is widely used in the chemical industry, particularly in the production of polyethylene.

Additional Information

• Dehydration Reaction
  • A dehydration reaction is a chemical reaction in which water is removed from a compound.
  • This type of reaction is commonly used to convert alcohols into alkenes.
• Ethene (Ethylene)
  • Ethene, also known as ethylene, is the simplest alkene with the formula C2H4.
  • It is a key raw material in the petrochemical industry, primarily used in the production of polymers such as polyethylene.
• Acid Catalysts
  • Acid catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction by donating a proton (H+) to the reactants.
  • Common acid catalysts used in dehydration reactions include sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid.
• Polyethylene
  • Polyethylene is a widely used plastic made from the polymerization of ethene (ethylene).
  • It is used in various applications including packaging, containers, and insulation.