Question

Show how to convert ethylene to these compounds. (a) Ethane (b) Ethanol (c) Bromoethane (d) 2-Chloroethanol (e) 1,2 -Dibromoethane (f) 1,2 -Ethanediol (g) Chloroethane

Short answer

Question: List the steps and reagents needed to convert ethylene to the following compounds: a) Ethane, b) Ethanol, c) Bromoethane, d) 2-Chloroethanol, e) 1,2-Dibromoethane, f) 1,2-Ethanediol, g) Chloroethane.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Conversion of ethylene to ethane.

To convert ethylene (C2H4) to ethane (C2H6), we need to perform a hydrogenation reaction. Hydrogenation reactions require the use of a catalyst, such as palladium on carbon (Pd/C). The balanced chemical reaction is: C2H4 + H2 -> C2H6 (using Pd/C as catalyst)

(b) Conversion of ethylene to ethanol.

To convert ethylene to ethanol (C2H5OH), we perform a hydration reaction. Hydration reactions require the use of water and a strong acid, such as H2SO4. The balanced chemical reaction is: C2H4 + H2O -> C2H5OH (using H2SO4 as a catalyst)

(c) Conversion of ethylene to bromoethane.

To convert ethylene to bromoethane (C2H5Br), we do a hydrohalogenation reaction, in which we add an HBr molecule across the double bond. The balanced chemical reaction is: C2H4 + HBr -> C2H5Br

(d) Conversion of ethylene to 2-Chloroethanol.

To convert ethylene to 2-Chloroethanol (C2H4ClOH), we perform an oxychlorination reaction using chlorine (Cl2) and water (H2O). The balanced chemical reaction is: C2H4 + Cl2 + H2O -> C2H4ClOH

(e) Conversion of ethylene to 1,2-Dibromoethane.

To convert ethylene to 1,2-Dibromoethane (C2H4Br2), we use a halogenation reaction with Br2. The balanced chemical reaction is: C2H4 + Br2 -> C2H4Br2

(f) Conversion of ethylene to 1,2-Ethanediol.

To convert ethylene to 1,2-Ethanediol (C2H4(OH)2), we perform an epoxidation and hydrolysis reaction. The epoxidation reaction uses a peroxy acid, such as m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA), while the hydrolysis requires water and acid. The balanced chemical reactions are: C2H4 + m-CPBA -> C2H4O (Ring structure) C2H4O + H2O -> C2H4(OH)2 (using H2SO4 as a catalyst)

(g) Conversion of ethylene to chloroethane.

To convert ethylene to chloroethane (C2H5Cl), we perform a hydrohalogenation reaction, in which we add an HCl molecule across the double bond. The balanced chemical reaction is: C2H4 + HCl -> C2H5Cl