Step 1: Formation of Acetaldehyde
1. Hydration of Acetylene: Acetylene gas (C2H2) is passed through a solution of mercuric sulfate (HgSO4) in dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This reaction leads to the formation of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO).
C2H2 + H2O → CH3CHO
Step 2: Reduction of Acetaldehyde to Ethanol
2. Reduction with Hydrogen: Acetaldehyde is then reduced to ethanol in the presence of a reducing agent and a catalyst. This reaction is typically carried out by passing hydrogen gas (H2) over heated copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni) catalysts.
CH3CHO + H2 → CH3CH2OH
By combining these two steps, acetylene can be efficiently converted into ethanol. This process is industrially important for the production of ethanol, which has various applications as a fuel, solvent, and starting material for the synthesis of other organic compounds.
