Which of the following compounds will react with sodium metal to produce hydrogen gas?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
C. Ethanol (C2H5OH)
Principle or equation
Alcohols contain an –OH group with a hydrogen atom that can be displaced by active metals such as sodium, producing hydrogen gas. Alkanes and alkenes do not have such acidic hydrogens.
Why this answer is correct
Step 1: Identify functional groups. Ethane is an alkane, ethene and ethyne are alkenes/alkynes, ethanol is an alcohol. Step 2: Sodium reacts with alcohols: 2C2H5OH + 2Na → 2C2H5ONa + H2. Step 3: Alkanes and alkenes do not react with sodium under normal conditions.
Example
A small piece of sodium added to ethanol produces bubbles of hydrogen gas, which burns with a pop sound.
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