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Question
Why is a solution of potassium hydroxide used to absorb carbon dioxide evolved during the estimation of carbon present in an organic compound?
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Solution
Carbon dioxide is acidic in nature and potassium hydroxide is a strong base. Hence, carbon dioxide reacts with potassium hydroxide to form potassium carbonate and water as
\[\ce{2KOH + CO_2 -> K_2CO_3 + H_2O}\]
Thus, the mass of the U-tube containing KOH increases. This increase in the mass of U-tube gives the mass of CO2 produced. From its mass, the percentage of carbon in the organic compound can be estimated.
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(iv) CH2 = CH – CH = CH2
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