Question

In the conversion of ethanol into methanol which of the following reagents will be used?
A) ${K_2}C{r_2}{O_7}/{H_2}S{O_4}$
B) $NaOH + CaO$
C) $C{l_2} + aq.\,KOH$
D) All of these

Answer 1

HintTo solve this question, we must first understand the whole conversion of Ethanol into Methanol. Then we need to observe the reagents used in the reaction and then only we can have our correct answer.

Complete step by step answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of this given question, let us first understand some basic concepts about ethanol:
Ethanol, also called alcohol, ethyl alcohol and grain alcohol, is a clear, colorless liquid and the principal ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine or brandy. Because it can readily dissolve in water and other organic compounds, ethanol also is an ingredient in a range of products, from personal care and beauty products to paints and varnishes to fuel.
To understand the conversion, let’s go through it:
Step 1: Firstly we will oxidise Ethanol into ethanoic acid by using ${K_2}C{r_2}{O_7}/{H_2}S{O_4}$ .
Step 2: Then, decarboxylation of ethanoic acid gives methane.
Step 3: when chlorine is passed through methane forms methyl chloride. In presence of $aq.\,KOH$methanol is produced.
\[{C_2}{H_5}OH\xrightarrow[{{K_2}C{r_2}{O_7}/{H_2}S{O_4}}]{{[O]}}\,C{H_3}CHO\xrightarrow[{{K_2}C{r_2}{O_7}/{H_2}S{O_4}}]{{[O]}}C{H_3}COOH\,\xrightarrow[\Delta ]{{NaOH + CaO}}C{H_4}\xrightarrow{{C{l_2}}}C{H_3}Cl\xrightarrow[{ - KCl}]{{aq.\,KOH}}C{H_3}OH\]
So, from all the above mentioned steps, we can clearly observe that all the reagents listed in the options are being used in the conversion.
So, clearly we can conclude that the correct answer is Option D.

Note:Methanol is a non drinking type of alcohol (also known as wood alcohol and methyl alcohol) which is mostly used to create fuel, solvents and antifreeze. A colorless liquid, it is volatile, flammable, and unlike ethanol, poisonous for human consumption. Methanol is also used to produce a variety of other chemicals, including acetic acid.