Ethylene is treated with sulfuric acid in the presence of water to give product A. Product A is carefully heated in the presence of sulfuric acid to get a polar product B and water. Identify products A and B.
A) A is acetic acid, and B is diethyl ether.
B) A is ethanol, and B is acetic acid.
C) A is ethanol, and B is diethyl ether.
D) A is ethylene oxide, and B is acetic acid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ethylene reacts with sulfuric acid and water to give ethanol (product A). Upon heating with more sulfuric acid, ethanol undergoes dehydration to give diethyl ether (product B). Therefore, A is ethanol and B is diethyl ether.

Ethylene Is Treated with Sulfuric Acid in the Presence of Water