Question

When mangoes are kept in a basket, a small sachet containing a white crystalline powder is also kept which induces ripening.

1. Name the chemical powder in the sachet.
2. When this powder comes in contact with moisture, it releases a gas. Name the gas.
3. Give a balanced chemical equation for the reaction in (b).

Answer 1

1. Calcium carbide (CaC₂)
2. Acetylene (ethyne), C₂H₂
3. \[\ce{CaC2 + 2H2O -> C2H2 ↑ + Ca(OH)2}\]