Question

A carbon compound X turns blue litmus to red and has a molecular formula C2H4O2. Identify X and draw it’s
structure. Write chemical equation for the reaction and name of the product formed in each case when X reacts with ethanol in the presence of conc.H2SO4 and sodium carbonate.

Answer 1

The compound is CH3COOH (Ethanoic Acid or Acetic Acid) $\implies$ X=CH3COOH
1. Reaction with Ethanol:(Esterification)
C2H5OH+CH3COOH -------> CH3COOC2H5 + H2O (IDK how to write conc. H2SO4 above the arrow.)
CH3COOC2H5 is Ethyl Ethanoate, a sweet smelling compound of functional group called Ester. (-COO-)
2. Sodium Bicarbonate
CH3COOH+Na2CO3------> CH3COONa + H2O
CH3COONa is Sodium Ethanoate.

Answer 2

$\huge\bf\red{\mid{\overline{\underline{ANSWER}}}\mid}$

X-Acetic Acid(CH3COOH)

CH3COOH+C2H5OH--------(conc. H2SO4)----->CH3-COO-CH2-CH3