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Chemistry Question 64 – JEE-MAIN 2025

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Given below are two statements: Statement I: Dimethyl ether is completely soluble in water. However, diethyl ether is soluble in water to a very small extent. Statement II: Sodium metal can be used to dry diethyl ether and not ethyl alcohol. In the light of given statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

Consider the types of intermolecular forces (especially hydrogen bonding) that govern solubility in water, and the chemical reactivity of functional groups with active metals like sodium.

Step 1: Evaluate Statement I: Solubility of Ethers✦ Active

Dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3) has a small non-polar part and an oxygen atom capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water. It is highly soluble in water (approx. 37 g/100 mL at 20∘C). Diethyl ether (CH3CH2OCH2CH3) has larger non-polar ethyl groups, which sterically hinder hydrogen bonding and make the molecule more hydrophobic. It is sparingly soluble in water (approx. 6.9 g/100 mL at 20∘C). Therefore, Statement I is true, as dimethyl ether is much more soluble than diethyl ether.

Step 2: Evaluate Statement II: Reactivity with Sodium Metal○ Expand

Sodium metal reacts with compounds containing acidic hydrogens. Ethyl alcohol (CH3CH2OH) has an acidic hydrogen on its hydroxyl group, which reacts with sodium to produce hydrogen gas and sodium ethoxide (2CH3CH2OH+2Na→2CH3CH2ONa+H2). Ethers, such as diethyl ether (CH3CH2OCH2CH3), do not possess acidic hydrogens and are generally unreactive with sodium metal. Sodium metal is commonly used to dry ethers by reacting with any trace amounts of water present (2Na+2H2O→2NaOH+H2). Therefore, Statement II is true.

Step 3: Conclusion○ Expand

Since both Statement I and Statement II are true, the correct option is 'Both Statement I and Statement II are true'.

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