On dropping a small piece of sodium in a test-tube containing carbon compound 'X' with molecular formula C 2 H 6 O, a brisk effervescence is observed and a gas 'Y' is produced. On bringing a burning splinter at the mouth of the test-tube the gas evolved burns with a pop sound. Identify 'X' and 'Y'. Also write the chemical equation for the reaction. Write the name and structure of the product formed, when you heat 'X' with excess conc. sulphuric acid.
Answer:
Alcohols react with sodium metal to give bubbles of hydrogen gas.
- The molecular formula of X is given as C 2 H 6 O which means X is C 2 H 5 OH
- Hydrogen gas is produced. So, Y is H 2
- When a burning splinter is brought close to the mouth of the test tube where the reaction between C 2 H 5 OH and Na has taken place, H 2 gas burns with a pop sound.
So,the reaction that takes place is:
If we heat ethanol with excess concentrated sulphuric acid, a dehydration reaction takes place, a water molecule is removed and ethene is formed.
Molecular formula of ethene is C 2 H 4
