Question

Which gas is evolved when Sodium metal reacts with Ethanol?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Hydrogen
• D. Carbon dioxide

Hint:

Active metals such as sodium, potassium, and lithium react with alcohols to form alkoxides and release hydrogen gas. This reaction is commonly used to test the acidic nature of alcohols.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Alcohols such as ethanol contain a weakly acidic \(-OH\) group. When an active metal like sodium reacts with ethanol, sodium replaces the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group. This reaction forms sodium ethoxide and releases hydrogen gas.

Step 1: Write the chemical reaction. \[ 2C_2H_5OH + 2Na \rightarrow 2C_2H_5ONa + H_2 \]

Step 2: Identify the evolved gas. From the reaction, hydrogen atoms combine to form hydrogen gas: \[ \boxed{H_2} \] Thus, the gas evolved when sodium reacts with ethanol is hydrogen gas.