An organic compound is widely used as a preservative in pickles and has a molecular formula C_(2)H_(4)O_(2). The compound reacts with ethanol in presence of an acid to form a sweet smelling compound 'B'. (i) Identify the compound 'A'. (ii) Write the chemical equation for its reaction with ethanol to form compound 'B'. (iii) How can you get 'A back from 'B'?

An organic compound is widely used as a preservative in pickles and ha

1.	An organic compound is widely used as a preservative in pickles and has a molecular formula C_(2)H_(4)O_(2). The compound reacts with ethanol in presence of an acid to form a sweet smelling compound 'B'. (i) Identify the compound 'A'. (ii) Write the chemical equation for its reaction with ethanol to form compound 'B'. (iii) How can you get 'A back from 'B'?
Answer» Solution :(i) Compound .A. is `CH_(3)COOH` (ETHANOIC acid or acetic acid) `CH_(3)COOC_(2)H(A)+CH_(3)COOC_(2)H_(5)(B)+ H_(2)O+C_(2)H_(5)OH overset("Conc.H_(2)SO_(4))rightarrow` Compound B is ethyl ethanoate (III) `CH_(3)COOC_(2)H_(5) (B) + H_(2)O overset(NaOH)rightarrow +C_(2)H_(5)OH(CH_(3)COOH)` (iv) Saponification. (v) Carbon dioxide gas is produced. `2CH_(3)COOH + Na_(2)CO_(3)rightarrow 2CH_(3)COONa +CO_(2)(H_(2)O)`