Question

Organic compounds A and B are isomers with the molecular formula C₂H₆O (A) liberates H₂ gas when it reacts with metallic sodium whereas (B) does not. Compound (A) reacts with ethanoic acid and forms a fruity smelling compound (C). Identify A, B and C and explain the reactions.

Answer 1

(A) and (B) are compounds with same molecular formula C₂H₆O. 

(A) reacts with metallic Na and liberates H₂ ↑ 

∴ (A) is ethanol [CH₃CH₂OH]

(B) is methoxy methane [CH₃OCH₃]

(A) reacts with ethanoic acid and forms ester.

(A) Ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH 

(B) Methoxy methane, CH₃OCH₃ 

(C) Ethyl ethanoate, CH₃COOC₂H₅