Question

Which is the most suitable method for removing the traces of water from ethanol ?
A. Heating with `Na` metal
B. Passing dry `HCl` gas through it.
C. Distilling it
D. Reacting with `Mg`.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - D
`C_(2)H_(5)OH` first reacts with `Mg` metal to form `(C_(2)H_(5)O)_(2)Mg`.
`2C_(2)H_(5)OH+Mg rarr (C_(2)H_(5)O)_(2)Mg+H_(2)`
`C_(2)H_(5)OH` can be regenerated by reacting
`(C_(2)H_(5)O)_(2)Mg` with water
`(C_(2)H_(5)O)_(2)Mg+2H_(2)O rarr Mg(OH)_(2)+2C_(2)H_(5)OH`.