Select the option that completes the following chemical reaction by giving the formula of the products X and Y. 2Na + 2CH₃CH₂OH → X + Y

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Explanation

Alcohols, like ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), react with active metals such as sodium (Na).
In this reaction, the sodium atom displaces the hydrogen atom from the hydroxyl (-OH) group of the alcohol.
This process forms a metal alkoxide (in this case, sodium ethoxide, CH₃CH₂O⁻Na⁺) and liberates hydrogen gas (H₂).
The correctly balanced chemical equation is 2Na + 2CH₃CH₂OH → 2CH₃CH₂O⁻Na⁺ + H₂, which directly corresponds to the products listed in the correct option.

Option A: The reaction of an alcohol with an active metal always produces hydrogen gas (H₂), not oxygen gas (O₂).
Option C: The product shown is sodium methoxide (CH₃O⁻Na⁺), which has only one carbon atom. The reactant is ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), which has two carbon atoms, so the product must be sodium ethoxide.
Option D: This reaction produces hydrogen gas (H₂), not water (H₂O). Water is a product in other alcohol reactions, such as acid-catalyzed dehydration or combustion, but not when reacting with an active metal.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration showing a sodium atom reacting with an ethanol molecule. The diagram should depict the breaking of the O-H bond in ethanol, the formation of the Na-O bond in sodium ethoxide, and the combination of two hydrogen atoms to form H₂ gas.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Chemical properties of alcohols: Reaction with active metals as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a basic chemistry question, understanding the properties of ethanol is crucial in a clinical context, especially in toxicology and pharmacology.
The product, sodium ethoxide, is a strong base used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, including barbiturates and esters.
What if? If the patient ingests methanol instead of ethanol, the consequences are severe. Methanol is metabolized to formaldehyde and formic acid, causing metabolic acidosis and potentially irreversible blindness. Ethanol is used as an antidote in methanol poisoning because it competes for the same enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase), slowing the formation of toxic metabolites. (SRC_2, SRC_3)

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the reactants provided in the equation: Sodium (Na), which is an active alkali metal, and Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), which is a primary alcohol.
Recall the general chemical principle for the reaction between an active metal and an alcohol: Active Metal + Alcohol → Metal Alkoxide + Hydrogen Gas.
Apply this principle to the specific reactants: Sodium + Ethanol → Sodium Ethoxide + Hydrogen Gas.
Determine the chemical formulas for the products: Sodium Ethoxide is CH₃CH₂O⁻Na⁺ and Hydrogen Gas is H₂.
Write and balance the full chemical equation: 2Na + 2CH₃CH₂OH → 2CH₃CH₂O⁻Na⁺ + H₂.
Finally, compare the products (X and Y) from your balanced equation with the options provided to identify the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.