Reaction of Alcohols with Sodium
- When alcohols react with sodium metal, they behave like weak acids.
- The hydrogen atom of the –OH group is displaced by sodium.
- This forms a compound called alkoxide and releases hydrogen gas.
Key Points
- The reaction is similar to how sodium reacts with water, but alcohols are much less acidic than water.
- Example: Ethanol reacts with sodium to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas.
- All types of alcohols (primary, secondary, tertiary) can react, but the rate differs: primary > secondary > tertiary.
Observation
- Effervescence (bubbling) is seen because of the hydrogen gas released.
- Heat may also be evolved.
In short: Alcohols react with sodium metal to produce alkoxides and hydrogen gas, showing that alcohols are weakly acidic.