Question

A compound x on heating in the presence of conc. Sulphuric acid forms compound y with loss of water. This compound u when reacted with a molecule of a very reactive element in the presence of nickel catalyst give compound z. Identify x y z

Answer 1

We are given that the compound B on addition of one mole of H2 in the presence of Ni forms another compound. This suggests that the compound B is unsaturated. Since the compound B is formed by dehydration of compound A by using H2SO4, it means that compound A is an alcohol. Compound C will be alkane (alkenes on hydrogenation give alkanes). As compound C gives two molecules of CO2 and three molecules of H2O, it means that it is an alkane containing two carbon atoms. Thus

Compound A = CH3CH2OH

Compound B = CH2=CH2

Compound C = CH3-CH3

Following are the chemical equations for the reactions