Reactions of Alcohols with Active Metals Objective: To observe the reaction of alcohols with sodium and magnesium,
Materials required: Ethanol, sodium and magnesium metal. Test tubes, test tube holde
test tube rack, measuring cylinder, Bunsen burner, scissors or knife.
Procedure:
Take two test tubes and add 2-5 mL of ethanol to each of the test tubes. Cutave
small piece of sodium with a knife and drop it into the first test tube. Take magnesiu
ribbon and drop it in the second test tube.
Observations and analysis:
1. What do you observe:
a in the 1st test tube?
b in the 2nd test tube?
2. Is there an evolution of gas? What do you think this gas is?
3. If no reaction occurs in any of the test tubes, heat the mixture gently using a Bunge
burner and write your observation.
4. Which bond of the alcohol is broken in the reaction?
5. Write a general reaction for such reactions?
6. What type of metals react in this manner?​