Chemistry Alcohols & Phenols ETEA 2024
PMDC Verified Question 16 of 95
The reaction of an alcohol with sodium produces
A
Aldehyde
B
Ethane
C
Alkoxide
D
Ethene
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: Alkoxide
Concept:

Alcohols exhibit weak acidic properties and will react with highly electropositive alkali metals (like sodium or potassium) in a single replacement reaction.

Formula:

$$ 2\text{R-OH} + 2\text{Na} \longrightarrow 2\text{R-O}^-\text{Na}^+ + \text{H}_2\uparrow $$

Solution:

  • The sodium metal reduces the acidic hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group, releasing hydrogen gas.


  • The remaining organic fragment is an anion consisting of the alkyl chain and the oxygen (\(\text{RO}^-\)).


  • This specific salt is called a sodium alkoxide.


Why other options are incorrect:

Aldehydes require oxidation. Ethane and ethene are hydrocarbons resulting from reduction or dehydration, not metal displacement.

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