Question

Predict the product when an alcohol reacts with sodium metal.

• A. Alkane
• B. Sodium alkoxide + Hydrogen gas
• C. Ether
• D. Aldehyde

Hint:

Alcohols behave as weak acids. Active metals such as sodium react with alcohols to produce \textbf{alkoxides} and release \textbf{hydrogen gas}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Alcohols contain an \(-OH\) group, where the hydrogen atom is slightly acidic. When alcohol reacts with an active metal such as sodium, the metal replaces the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group. This reaction forms a sodium alkoxide and releases hydrogen gas.
Step 1: {Write the general reaction.} For a general alcohol \(ROH\): \[ 2ROH + 2Na \rightarrow 2RONa + H_2 \] where

• \(RONa\) = sodium alkoxide
• \(H_2\) = hydrogen gas

Step 2: {Example reaction.} For ethanol: \[ 2C_2H_5OH + 2Na \rightarrow 2C_2H_5ONa + H_2 \] Thus, ethanol forms sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas.
Step 3: {Identify the products.} Therefore, the reaction between alcohol and sodium produces \[ \text{Sodium alkoxide} + H_2 \]