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Question:

A compound X on heating with excess conc. sulphuric acid at 443K gives a saturated compound Y. X also reacts with sodium metal to evolve a colourless gas Z. Identify X, Y and Z. Write the equation of the chemical reaction of formation of Y and also write the role of sulphuric acid in the reaction.

Solution:

Compound X is ethanol
Compound Y is ethene
Compound Z is hydrogen gas.
C2H5OH --(Hot concentrated sulphuric acid)--> C2H4 + H2O
Hot concentrated sulphuric acid is a strong dehydrating agent. It reacts with ethanol to give ethene by removing water.
C2H5OH + Na → C2H5ONa + H2