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The S-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH11007063

Why is calcium preferred over sodium to remove last traces of moisture from alcohol?

Solution

Both Na and Ca react with water to form their respective hydroxides. In contrast, Na reacts with alcohol to form sodium ethoxide but calcium does not.
2 straight C subscript 2 straight H subscript 5 OH space plus space 2 Na space rightwards arrow space space space space 2 straight C subscript 2 straight H subscript 5 ONa space plus space straight H subscript 2
Therefore, calcium is preferred over sodium.