Concept:Converting an alcohol to an aldehyde involves the removal of two hydrogen atoms to form a C=O double bond. This can be viewed conceptually and practically as the removal of hydrogen.
Formula:$$ \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} \xrightarrow[300^{\circ}\text{C}]{\text{Cu}} \text{CH}_3\text{CHO} + \text{H}_2 $$
Solution:- Ethyl alcohol can be converted to acetaldehyde by passing its vapors over heated copper at 300°C.
- During this process, a molecule of hydrogen gas (\(\text{H}_2\)) is eliminated.
- The chemical removal of hydrogen is formally termed dehydrogenation (which is a subtype of oxidation).
Why other options are incorrect:Reduction would add hydrogen (impossible here since the carbon is already saturated). Esterification creates an ester, not an aldehyde. Polymerization chains molecules together.
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