Dehydration of Ethanol

C2H5OH → C2H4 + H2O

Aperçu

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.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Ethanol C₂H₅OH 1 (l)
Produit Ethylene C₂H₄ 1 (g)
Produit Water H₂O 1 (l)

Exemple du quotidien

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

Importance industrielle

Ethanol dehydration to ethylene is the basis of Brazil's bio-plastics industry, producing renewable polyethylene from sugarcane ethanol.

Propriétés

Type
Organic
Réversible
Oui
Énergie
Endothermique
ΔH
44,0 kJ/mol
Catalyseur
Concentrated H₂SO₄ or Al₂O₃

Réactions associées

Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Kolbe Electrolysis Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6) Cope Rearrangement 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).