Question

Outline the steps needed to solve the following problem, then do the calculations. Ether, (C₂H₅)₂O, which was originally used as an anesthetic but has been replaced by safer and more effective medications, is prepared by the reaction of ethanol with sulfuric acid.

Answer 1

To prepare diethyl ether from ethanol and sulfuric acid, follow these steps: 1. Add two molecules of ethanol to a flask. 2. Add concentrated sulfuric acid. 3. Heat the mixture. Diethyl ether and water will be formed.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prepare diethyl ether from ethanol and sulfuric acid, you would follow these steps:

1. Add two molecules of ethanol to a flask.
2. Add concentrated sulfuric acid to the flask.
3. Heat the mixture to 140 °C.
4. The two molecules of ethanol will undergo dehydration and form diethyl ether and a water molecule.

Calculations are not required for this question since it is asking for the steps needed to solve the problem.