Question

Ethyl alcohol is obtained when ethyl chloride is boiled with?
(A) Alcoholic KOH
(B) Aqueous KOH
(C) Water
(D) Aq. $ KMn{O_4} $

Answer 1

Hint: Ethyl alcohol is an organic compound containing hydroxyl functional group, so, it belongs to a class of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol has a molecular formula $ - {C_2}{H_5}OH $ . Whereas Ethyl chloride has a functional group as a halogen atom i.e. Chlorine. Ethyl chloride has a molecular formula - $ - {C_2}{H_5}Cl $ .

Complete Step By Step Answer:
To solve this question, first we have to focus on the type of conversion reaction i.e. which organic functional group is converting in which organic functional group.
Since from the question, we know that we have to convert the ethyl chloride into ethyl alcohol, this means that we have to remove the chloride group from the ethyl molecule.
So from the above discussion, it is very much clear that we need a ‘Dehydrohalogenation ‘compound or the reactant.
So, from the option given to us, the aq. $ KOH $ Acts as a dehydrohalogenation agent.
Now, let’s have a look at the reaction between the Ethyl chloride and the alc. $ KOH $ .
So, the reaction will be:
 $ {C_2}{H_5} - Cl + KOH \to {C_2}{H_5} - OH + KCl $
So, in the above reaction when the Ethyl chloride is boiled with aq. $ KOH $ , it forms Ethyl alcohol and the potassium chloride is also produced. It is a very useful reaction.
Thus, from the above discussion, it is crystal clear that the correct answer is option B.

Note:
The above reaction, i.e. the reaction between the Ethyl chloride and the alc. $ KOH $ Is a basic preparation method for the production of the alkyl alcohol, in this process alkyl halides converts into alcohol in the presence of aq.? $ KOH $ Or $ NaOH $ .