The compound A on treatment with Na gives B, and with PCl₅ gives C. B and C react together to give diethyl eth

Question

The compound A on treatment with Na gives B, and with PCl₅ gives C. B and C react together to give diethyl ether. A, B and C are, respectively:

Accepted Answer

1.  **Identify A:** Since the final product is diethyl ether ($C_2H_5-O-C_2H_5$) formed by the reaction of B and C (Williamson synthesis), and A yields B with Na and C with $PCl_5$, A must be **Ethanol** ($C_2H_5OH$).
2.  **Formation of B:** Alcohols react with active metals like sodium to form sodium alkoxides. 
    $$2C_2H_5OH (A) + 2Na \rightarrow 2C_2H_5ONa (B) + H_2$$ 
    So, B is **Sodium Ethoxide**.
3.  **Formation of C:** Alcohols react with phosphorus pentachloride ($PCl_5$) to form alkyl chlorides.
    $$C_2H_5OH (A) + PCl_5 \rightarrow C_2H_5Cl (C) + POCl_3 + HCl$$ 
    So, C is **Ethyl Chloride**.
4.  **Formation of Ether:** B and C react via nucleophilic substitution (Williamson Ether Synthesis).
    $$C_2H_5ONa (B) + C_2H_5Cl (C) \rightarrow C_2H_5-O-C_2H_5 + NaCl$$

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