Dehydration of Ethanol

C2H5OH → C2H4 + H2O

Overview

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

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Ethanol C₂H₅OH 1 (l)
Product Ethylene C₂H₄ 1 (g)
Product Water H₂O 1 (l)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type
Organic
Reversible
Yes
Energy
Endothermic
ΔH
44.0 kJ/mol
Catalyst
Concentrated H₂SO₄ or Al₂O₃

Related Reactions

Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia) Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Bromination of Ethylene Buchwald-Hartwig Amination Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6)

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).