To selectively synthesize ethoxyethane (diethyl ether) rather than ethene from ethanol using concent — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
To selectively synthesize ethoxyethane (diethyl ether) rather than ethene from ethanol using concentrated $H_2SO_4$ via intermolecular dehydration, the reaction mixture must be carefully maintained at a specific temperature. What is this exact ideal temperature in degrees Celsius ($^\circ\text{C}$)?
💡 Solution & Explanation
The acid-catalyzed dehydration of ethanol is temperature-dependent. At $170^\circ\text{C}$ ($443 \text{ K}$), elimination predominates, yielding ethene. At the lower controlled temperature of $140^\circ\text{C}$ ($413 \text{ K}$), nucleophilic substitution predominates, yielding the ether (ethoxyethane).