Question

An organic compound with molecular formula C₂H₄O produces brisk effervescence on addition of sodium carbonate/bicarbonate. 

Answer the following :

a) Identify the organic compound.

b) Write the chemical equation for the above reaction.

c) Name the gas evolved.

d) How will you test the gas evolved?

e) List two important uses of the above compound.

Answer 1

a) The organic compound is Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH).

b) 

c)  CO₂

d) i) Pass the evolved gas through lime water in a test tube. 

ii) We will find that lime water turns milky. 

iii) Only CO₂ gas can turn lime water milky.

e)  i) Dilute ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH) is used as a food preservative in the preparation of pickles and sauces. 

ii) Ethanoic acid is used for making cellulose acetate which is an important artificial fibre.