devarshi-dt-logo

Question:

What happens when ethanol is burnt in air?

Solution:

  1. C2H5OH + O2 → CO2 + H2O + heat + light
    Carbon dioxide and water are formed along with the release of heat and light.
  2. C2H5OH 443K ---→ H2SO4 CH2=CH2 + H2O
    Here sulphuric acid acts as a dehydrating agent. It removes water from ethanol.
  3. C2H5OH + 2Na → 2C2H5ONa + H2
    Sodium ethoxide is formed along with the release of hydrogen gas.