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General Science • ChemistryMedium

What is the product formed when ethanol is heated with excess concentrated sulfuric acid at 443 K?

A. Diethyl ether
B. Ethene✓ Correct Answer
C. Ethanal
D. Ethanoic acid

💡 Solution & Explanation

Heating ethanol with excess concentrated sulfuric acid at 443 Kelvin causes an intramolecular dehydration reaction, eliminating a water molecule to form ethene gas. Concentrated sulfuric acid acts as an efficient dehydrating agent in this laboratory preparation. Lower temperatures or different ratios yield diethyl ether instead of the alkene product.

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