A liquid was mixed with ethanol and a drop of concentrated $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}$ was added. A compound with a fruity smell was formed. The liquid was :

(D) $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COOH}$

(A) $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}$

(C) $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COCH}_{3}$

JEE Main · 2009 · 12 Apr 2009 · Offline · Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

A liquid was mixed with ethanol and a drop of concentrated

H_{2} SO_{4}

was added. A compound with a fruity smell was formed. The liquid was :

(A) $CH_{3} OH$
(B)HCHO
(C) $CH_{3} COCH_{3}$
(D) $CH_{3} COOH$ ✓ Correct

Answer: (D)

Solution

The fruity smell is the tell-tale sign of an ester, formed by Fischer esterification. When ethanol is warmed with a carboxylic acid and a drop of concentrated

H_{2} S O_{4}

as catalyst, the acid and alcohol condense to an ester, so the liquid must have been acetic acid:

C H_{3} COOH + C_{2} H_{5} OH H^{+} C H_{3} COO C_{2} H_{5} + H_{2} O

, the product being the pleasant-smelling ethyl acetate.

JEE Main · 2009 · 12 Apr 2009 · Offline · Single correct option

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