Question

An organic compound [A] having molecular formula C₃H₈O gives turbidity with Lucas reagent within five minutes of mixing. On heating compound [A] with Cu at 573K, compound [B] is formed. Compound [B] does not reduce Fehling’s solution but when heated with iodine and sodium hydroxide, it gives a yellow precipitate of compound [C]. Identify the compounds [A], [B] and [C].

Write the chemical reaction for the conversion of compound [B] to compound [C].

Answer 1

Compound [A]: Propan-2-ol (CH₃-CH(OH)-CH₃)

Compound [B]: Propanone (CH₃COCH₃)

Compound [C]: Iodoform (CHI₃)

Chemical reaction for the conversion of compound [B] to compound [C].

The reaction of propanone with iodine and sodium hydroxide is as follows:

\[\ce{CH3COCH3 + 3I2 + 4NaOH ->[Δ][]\underset{Yellow ppt}{CHI3} + CH3COONa + 3NaI + 3H2O}\]