Question

An organic compound ‘X’ with a molecular formula C₂H₆O undergoes oxidation with alkaline KMnO₄ and forms the compound ‘Y’, that has molecular formula C₂H₄O₂. 

i) Identify ‘X’ and ‘Y’.

ii) Write your observation regarding the product when the compound X is made to react with compound IT which is used as a preservative for pickles

Answer 1

i) X is Ethanol is CH₃CH₂OH and T is Ethanoic acid, i.e., CH₃COOH.

ii)  Ethyl alcohol undergoes oxidation to form the product Acetaldehyde and finally Acetic acid.

Here CH₃COOH is used as preservative for pickles.

When X reacts with Y it forms ethyl acetate and water which is called esterification reaction. 

CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O