Dehydration of Ethanol

C2H5OH → C2H4 + H2O

Descripción general

Ethanol is dehydrated to ethylene by concentrated sulfuric acid at 170 C or by passing over heated alumina. This elimination reaction removes water from adjacent carbon atoms to form the C=C double bond. At lower temperatures (140 C), diethyl ether forms instead via intermolecular dehydration.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Ethanol C₂H₅OH 1 (l)
Producto Ethylene C₂H₄ 1 (g)
Producto Water H₂O 1 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

Brazil produces bio-ethylene from sugarcane ethanol using this dehydration, making green polyethylene for sustainable packaging.

Importancia industrial

La deshidratación del etanol a etileno es la base de la industria bioplástica de Brasil, produciendo etileno renovable como alternativa al craqueo petroquímico.

Propiedades

Tipo
Organic
Reversible
Sí
Energía
Endotérmico
ΔH
44,0 kJ/mol
Catalizador
Concentrated H₂SO₄ or Al₂O₃

Reacciones relacionadas

Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone E2 Elimination (Dehydrohalogenation) Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Kolbe Electrolysis Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Epoxidation of Alkenes (mCPBA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Dehydration of Ethanol?
The balanced equation is: C₂H₅OH → C₂H₄ + H₂O.
What type of reaction is Dehydration of Ethanol?
Dehydration of Ethanol is a organic reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Dehydration of Ethanol exothermic or endothermic?
Dehydration of Ethanol is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 44.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Dehydration of Ethanol?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Concentrated H₂SO₄ or Al₂O₃).