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General Science • ChemistryMedium

What is the primary organic product formed when ethyl alcohol is heated with excess concentrated sulfuric acid at 443 Kelvin?

A. Diethyl ether
B. Ethylene (Ethene)✓ Correct Answer
C. Acetaldehyde
D. Acetic acid

💡 Solution & Explanation

Heating ethanol with concentrated sulfuric acid at 443 Kelvin triggers an intramolecular dehydration reaction, resulting in the removal of a water molecule to form ethene gas. Alternative products like diethyl ether are formed at lower temperatures around 413 Kelvin, while other choices represent completely different oxidation states of organic compounds.

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