Heating together sodium ethoxide and ethyl chloride will give?

When sodium ethoxide is heated with ethyl chloride, a reaction occurs that leads to the formation of ethyl ethanoate, commonly known as ethyl acetate. This process is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction.

Reaction Overview

The sodium ethoxide acts as a nucleophile, attacking the ethyl chloride. This results in the substitution of the chloride ion with the ethoxy group.

Key Products

• Ethyl Acetate: The primary product formed from this reaction.
• Sodium Chloride: A byproduct that is also produced during the reaction.

Importance of the Reaction

This reaction is significant in organic chemistry as it demonstrates the principles of nucleophilic substitution and the formation of esters, which are important compounds in various applications, including solvents and flavorings.