Question

An organic acid X is a liquid which often freezes during winter in cold countries. It has molecular formula C2H4O2. On warming with ethanol in the presence of concentrated H2SO4, a compound Y with sweet smell is formed.

1. identify X and Y.

2. Write chemical equation for the reaction involved.

Answer 1

X- Ethanoic acid
Y- Ethyl Ethanoate (ester)

CH3COOH +C2H5OH---------> CH3COOC2H5 + H2O

Ethanoic acid + ethanol - - - - > ester +water