Q39 of 60 Page 33

Ethene is formed when ethanol at 443 K is heated with excess of concentrated sulphuric acid. What is the role of sulphuric acid in this reaction? Write the balanced chemical equation of this reaction.

In this reaction, sulphuric acid is working as a dehydrating agent.


Sulphuric acid has a property to attract water. It removes water from other compounds without dissolving in it. Thus it is considered a good drying agent.


The chemical equation of this reaction is as follows:


CH3CH2OH + hot conc. H2SO4 (at 443 K) H2C = CH2 + H2


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