Substitution Reactions

[YT2095]

I`m trying to learn some more about Organic chem, and have done several Halogenations of different alkanes.

I thought I`de try an Alcohol instead, so I bubbles Cl2 gas through ethanol to make Chloral, and then Chloral Hydrate: 2,2,2-trichloroethane-1,1-diol

 

it has a rather pleasant smell in small amounts, and a bit Sickly sweet in stronger concentrations.

 

then I decided to Hydrolise this with NaOH, the 1`st part takes away the HCl in the 2,2,2-trichloroethane-1,1-diol mix, and the Excess NaOH should start to rip the Chlorines off the 1 carbon.

 

now I have no idea what the product IS that I have, but there is a salt layer at the bottom of a rusty colored clear liquid now?

 

certainly not what I expected:confused:

 

anyone know what`s happened here?

 

I`m guessing that Yet again I`ve managed to destroy Another organic synth to leave carbon junk