CBSE Class 10 Science 2019 · Paper 31/1/1 · Question 17(a)

The compound is ethanol (ethyl alcohol), ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_5\text{OH}$. Two uses: (1) it is a good solvent, used in industry; (2) it is used in medicines such as tincture of iodine, cough syrups and tonics. Other correct uses, such as a fuel mixed with petrol, are also valid. (i) $2{\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_5\text{OH}+2\text{Na}\to 2{\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_5\text{ONa}+{\text{H}}_2$; the product is sodium ethoxide (hydrogen gas is given off). (ii) ${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_5\text{OH}\underset{443\text{K}}{\overset{{\text{hot conc. H}}_2{\text{SO}}_4}{\to }}{\text{CH}}_2={\text{CH}}_2+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$; the product is ethene (the acid removes water from ethanol).