On dropping a small piece of sodium in a test tube containing carbon compound ‘X’ with molecular formula $C_2H_6O$, a brisk effervescence is observed and a gas ‘Y’ is produced. On bringing a burning splinter at the mouth of the test tube the gas evolved burns with a pop sound. Identify ‘X’ and ‘Y’. Also write the chemical equation for the reaction. Write the name and structure of the product formed, when you heat ‘X’ with excess conc. sulphuric acid.

1. Identification of X and Y:

• Compound X is ethanol ($C_2H_6O$ or $CH_3CH_2OH$).
• Gas Y is hydrogen gas ($H_2$).

1. Chemical Equation for the reaction of X with sodium:

$$2CH_3CH_2OH + 2Na \rightarrow 2CH_3CH_2ONa + H_2 \uparrow$$

(The ionic product formed is sodium ethoxide)

1. Reaction of X with excess concentrated sulphuric acid:

When ethanol (X) is heated with excess concentrated $H_2SO_4$ at $443\text{ K}$, it undergoes dehydration to form ethene.

• Name of the product: Ethene
• Structure of the product:

``

H H

\ /

C = C

/ \

H H

``

• Chemical Equation:

$$CH_3CH_2OH \xrightarrow{\text{Hot conc. } H_2SO_4} CH_2=CH_2 + H_2O$$