Question

Convert Ethanol into sodium ethoxide.

Hint:

This reaction is often used as a test for the presence of the \(-OH\) group in organic compounds, as the evolution of \(H_2\) gas causes brisk effervescence.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Alcohols are weakly acidic. They react with active metals like Sodium (\(Na\)), Potassium (\(K\)), or Magnesium (\(Mg\)) to release hydrogen gas and form metal alkoxides.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
When ethanol (\(C_2H_5OH\)) is treated with metallic sodium, the sodium atom replaces the acidic hydrogen of the hydroxyl group.
The product formed is sodium ethoxide (\(C_2H_5ONa\)) and hydrogen gas is evolved.
Chemical Equation:
\[ 2C_2H_5OH + 2Na \rightarrow 2C_2H_5ONa + H_2(g) \uparrow \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
Ethanol is converted to sodium ethoxide by reacting it with sodium metal.