What is the catalyst for the conversion of ethanol to ethene?
(A) NaOH
(B) H₂SO₄
(C) HNO₃
(D) Pt - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 2
What is the catalyst for the conversion of ethanol to ethene?
(A) NaOH
(B) H₂SO₄
(C) HNO₃
(D) Pt
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is the catalyst for the conversion of ethanol to ethene?
(A) NaOH
(B) H₂SO₄
(C) HNO₃
(D) Pt - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is the catalyst for the conversion of ethanol to ethene?
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Answer
To convert ethanol to ethene (also known as ethylene), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is used as a catalyst. The process, known as dehydration, involves removing a water molecule from ethanol. The reaction can be represented as follows:
ightarrow ext{C}_2 ext{H}_4 + ext{H}_2 ext{O}$$
In this reaction, the sulfuric acid facilitates the breakdown of ethanol, allowing for the formation of ethene and water.