Question

1. A compound 'A' with a molecular formula of \[\ce{C2H4O2}\] reacts with a base to give salt and water. Identify 'A', state its nature and the name of the functional group it possesses. Write chemical equation for the reaction involved.
2.  When the above stated compound 'A' reacts with another compound 'B' having molecular formula \[\ce{C2H6O}\] in the presence of an acid, a sweet smelling compound is 'C' formed.
   
   1. Identify 'B' and 'C'.
   2. State the role of acid in this reaction.
   3. Write chemical equation for the reaction involved.

Answer 1

1. Since acid and base react to form salt and water, compound A will naturally be acidic due to the presence of a carboxylic acid group.
   Chemical equation for acid and base reaction:
   \[\ce{Acid + Base-> Salt + Water}\]  
   \[\ce{H X + M OH -> MX + HOH}\]
   \[\ce{CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) -> CH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l)}\]
   Thus, Compound A is \[\ce{CH3COOH}\] it is acidic in nature containing a carboxyl functional group.
2. In a process known as Fischer esterification, carboxylic acids combine with alcohols to create esters. An acid catalyst is required, and alcohol serves as a reaction solvent.
   1. Compound B is Ethanol and C is Ethyl acetate.
   2. HCl act as catalyst.
   3. A sweet-smelling compound formed by reacting acetic acid with ethanol in the presence of hydrochloric acid is ethyl acetate.

\[\begin{array}{cc} \ce{CH3 - C - OH + HOC2H5 ->[H+] CH3 - C - OC2H5}\\ ||\phantom{..............................}||\phantom{..}\\ \phantom{...}\ce{O}\phantom{..........................}\ce{\underset{Ethyl acetate}{O}} \end{array}\]