Find The Compounds Made Of C2H2O2

An organic compound 'X' is widely used as a preservative in pickles and has a molecular formula C₂H₂O₂. This compound reacts with ethanol to form a sweet smelling compound ‘Y'.
 

  a. Identify the compound ‘X’
   b. Write the chemical equation for its reaction with ethanol to form compound ‘Y’.
   c. How can we get compound ‘X’ back from ‘Y’?
   d. Name the process and write corresponding chemical equation.
   e. Which gas is produced when compound ‘X’ reacts with washing soda? Write the chemical equation.

Answer:

a. Compound X is ethanoic acid which gives and ester (Y) when reacts with ethanol.

b. CH₃COOH + CH₃CH₂OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅

c. Esters gives back alcohol and carboxylic acid in the presence of acid or base.

d. CH₃COOC₂H₅ ---NaOH → C₂H₅OH + CH₃COOH

e.CO₂  gas is released.

      CH₃COOH + Na2CO₃ → 2CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂