Chemistry · Ethers: Structure

Which reagent can be used to convert ethanol to diethyl ether?

Which reagent can be used to convert ethanol to diethyl ether?

  • A. \( A l_{2} O_{3} \) at \( 250^{\circ} C \)
  • B. conc. \( H_{2} S O_{4} \) at \( 170^{\circ} C \)
  • C. conc. \( H_{2} S O_{4} \) at \( 130^{0}-140^{0} C \)
  • D. \( A l_{2} O_{3} \) at \( 350^{\circ} C \)

Step-by-step solution

Ethanol undergoes intermolecular dehydration with concentrated sulfuric acid at 130-140°C to form diethyl ether. At 170°C, intramolecular dehydration occurs to yield ethene. Al2O3 at 250°C also produces ether, but at 350°C it gives ethene. The standard laboratory method uses conc. H2SO4 at 140°C.
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