Question

An organic compound 'P' is a constituent of wine. 'P' on reacting with acidified K₂Cr₂O₇ forms another compound 'Q'. When a piece of sodium is added to 'Q' a gas 'R' evolves which burns with a pop sound. Identify P, Q and R and write the chemical equations of the reactions involved.

 

Answer 1

The organic compound 'P' is ethanol.
\[{{CH}_3 {CH}_2 OH}_{\text{Ethanol} (P)} \to^{\text{Acidified }K_2 {Cr}_2 O_7} {{CH}_3 COOH}_{\text{Ethanoic acid }(Q)}\]

\[{2 {CH}_3 COOH}_{(Q)} + 2 Na \to 2 {CH}_3 COONa + {H_2}_{(R)}\]
H₂ gas burns with pop sound.
Hence, P, Q and R are ethanol, ethanoic acid and hydrogen gas, respectively.