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When ethylene glycol reacts with concentrated nitric acid then what product is formed?
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Reaction of Ethylene Glycol with Concentrated Nitric Acid


Ethylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6O2. It is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting, and viscous liquid that is used in various industrial and commercial applications, including antifreeze and solvents.


When ethylene glycol reacts with concentrated nitric acid, several products are formed depending on the reaction conditions. The primary products of this reaction are:



  • Nitric acid esters of ethylene glycol

  • Nitro compounds of ethylene glycol

  • Carbon dioxide

  • Nitrogen dioxide



Nitric Acid Esters of Ethylene Glycol


Nitric acid esters of ethylene glycol are formed when ethylene glycol reacts with concentrated nitric acid in the presence of a catalyst such as sulfuric acid. The reaction is an example of nitration, which involves the substitution of a nitro group (-NO2) for a hydrogen atom on an organic molecule.


The reaction proceeds as follows:


C2H6O2 + HNO3 → C2H5(ONO2)2 + H2O


The resulting nitric acid esters of ethylene glycol are powerful explosives and are used in the production of high-performance explosives such as dynamite and TNT.


Nitro Compounds of Ethylene Glycol


Nitro compounds of ethylene glycol are formed when ethylene glycol reacts with concentrated nitric acid in the absence of a catalyst. The reaction proceeds as follows:


C2H6O2 + 2HNO3 → C2H3(NO2)2O + 2H2O


The resulting nitro compounds of ethylene glycol are used in the production of various organic compounds such as solvents, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.


Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide


During the reaction of ethylene glycol with concentrated nitric acid, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are also formed as by-products. These gases are produced due to the oxidation of ethylene glycol by nitric acid.


The overall reaction can be represented as follows:


C2H6O2 + 2HNO3 → C2H
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When ethylene glycol reacts with concentrated nitric acid then what product is formed?
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