Chemistry – Organic chemistry - Alkenes | e-Consult

Description of Reaction: Ethene reacts with steam (H₂O) in the presence of an acid catalyst (e.g., sulfuric acid, H₂SO₄) to produce ethanol. The acid catalyst protonates the alkene, forming a carbocation intermediate. This carbocation then reacts with water to form a protonated alcohol, which deprotonates to give ethanol. The reaction is typically carried out at a high temperature (e.g., 350-400 °C) and moderate pressure.

Chemical Equation:

C₂H₄(g) + H₂O(g) ⇌ C₂H₅OH(g)

Observations: The reaction is endothermic, meaning heat is required. The product, ethanol, will be collected as a gas. The reaction is carried out at a high temperature, and the presence of an acid catalyst is essential for the reaction to proceed at a reasonable rate.

Structural Formulae:

• Ethene (Reactant): CH₂=CH₂
• Steam (Reactant): H₂O
• Ethanol (Product): CH₃-CH₂OH