Question

An organic compound (A) of molecular formula C₂H₄ O₂ gives brisk effervescence with Na₂CO₃ . Acetyl chloride reacts with sodium acetate to give C₄H₆O₃ as (B). (B) on reaction with PCI₅ gives (C) of formula C₂H₁₀CI. (C) on reaction with ammonia gives (D) of molecular formula C₂H₅NO. Identify A,B,C,D and explain the reactions involved.

Answer 1

1. Compound (A) gives brisk effervescence with Na₂CO₃ and so it must be a carboxylic acid. CH₃COOH (acetic acid) is compound A.

2. Acetyl chloride on heating with sodium acetate to give acetic anhydride as (B)

3. Acetic anhydride reacts with PCI₅ to give acetyl chloride CH₃COCI as (C)

4. Acetyl chloride on treatment with ammonia gives acetamide as (D)