How is ethyl alcohol convert into chloroform?
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The conversion of ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol) into chloroform involves a chemical reaction known as the Haloform reaction. The reaction proceeds in multiple steps and requires the presence of suitable reagents and conditions.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of how ethyl alcohol can be converted into chloroform using the Haloform reaction:
Step 1: Preparation
To begin, you need to set up a reaction vessel and ensure a controlled environment. This reaction generally requires an alkaline or basic medium to proceed. Therefore, a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) is usually used.
Step 2: Mixing
Add a measured amount of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) to the reaction vessel. The quantity and concentration of ethanol may vary depending on the desired amount of chloroform to be produced.
Step 3: Addition of Halogen
The next step involves the addition of a halogen, usually chlorine (Cl2), but sometimes bromine (Br2) can also be used. The halogen reacts with the alcohol to form an intermediate compound called a halogenated alcohol or Haloform.
Step 4: Alkaline Conditions
The addition of a strong base, such as NaOH or KOH, creates the necessary alkaline conditions for the reaction. This alkaline environment facilitates the further reaction of the halogenated alcohol to yield the desired chloroform.
Step 5: Reaction and Chloroform Formation
Under alkaline conditions, the halogenated alcohol undergoes a series of chemical reactions, leading to the formation of a carboxylate ion and ions of the respective halogen. In the case of chloroform formation, the reaction proceeds as follows:
2 Cl2 + 3 CH3CH2OH + 6 NaOH → CHCl3 + 5 NaCl + 5 H2O + 2 NaOCOCH3
The chloroform (CHCl3) is produced as a liquid that can be separated from the reaction mixture.
It is important to note that the Haloform reaction can be potentially hazardous due to the toxicity and flammability of the reagents involved. Therefore, it should only be conducted in a controlled laboratory setting by trained individuals following appropriate safety measures.