Question

A compound A has a molecular formula $C_{2}C{l}_{3}OH$. It reduces Fehling's solution and on oxidation, gives a monocarboxylic acid B. A can be obtained by the action of chlorine on ethyl alcohol. A is :

• A. chloroform
• B. chloral
• C. methyl chloride
• D. monochloroacetic acid

Answer 1

The correct option is B chloral

The compound reduces Fehling's solution, so it must contain aldehyde group,-CHO. again oxidation gives monocarboxylic acid (-COOH) which suggest containing -CHO group. A can be prepared from ethyl alcohol by chlorination as follows

$C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}OH+C{l}_2\to C{H}_{3}CHO$

$C{H}_{3}CHO+C{l}_2\to CC{l}_{3}CHO$ (chloral).

So, option B is the right answer.