When ethanol is heated with concentrated , the nature of the primary product depends strictly on the — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The dehydration of ethanol with concentrated $H_2SO_4$ is highly temperature-dependent. At a higher temperature of $443 \text{ K}$ ($170^\circ\text{C}$), an intramolecular dehydration (elimination) occurs to yield ethene. At a lower temperature of $413 \text{ K}$ ($140^\circ\text{C}$), intermolecular dehydration (substitution) occurs to yield ethoxyethane (diethyl ether).