Question

An organic compound (A) of molecular formula C₂H₆O reacts with metallic Na and liberates H₂ gas. (A) on mild oxidation with Cu at 573 K gives (B) of molecular formula C₂H₄O. (B) on reaction with methyl magnesium bromide followed by acid hydrolysis gives (C) of molecular formula C₃H₅O. (C) gives Blue colour in Victor Meyer’s test. (C) on mild oxidation with Cu at 573 K gives (D) of formula C₃H₆O. identify A, B, C, D and explain the reactions.

Answer 1

1. An organic compound (A) reacts with Na metal and liberates H₂ gas means it must be alcohol. From the molecular formula it is identified as Ethanol (CH₃ – CH₂OH).

2. Ethanol on oxidation with Cu at 573 K undergoes catalytic dehydrogenation and produces Acetaldehyde as product (B).

3. Acetaldehyde on reaction with CH₃ MgBr followed by hydrolysis will give Isopropyl alcohol as (C).

4. Propan – 2 – ol is secondary alcohol and so it gives blue colour in Victor Meyer’s test. (C) on reaction with Cu at 573 K will give Propanone as (D).