Question

A liquid was mixed with ethanol and a drop of concentrated $H_{2}S{O}_4$ was added to it. A compound with a fruity smell was formed. The liquid was

• A. $C{H}_{3}OH$
• B. $HCHO$
• C. $C{H}_{3}COC{H}_3$
• D. $C{H}_{3}COOH$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $C{H}_{3}COOH$

$A\text{(liquid)}+C_2{H}_{5}OH\stackrel{Conc.H_{2}S{O}_4}{\to }\underset{\text{Fruity smell}}{\text{Compound}}$
Fruity smell is the characterstic property of ester, thus the above reaction must be the formation of ester.

When primary alcohol is treated with a carboxylic acid in the presence of sulphuric acid, a compound is formed. This compound has a sweet smell. The compound obtained is called ester. The chemical reaction occurring in the formation of the ester is known as an esterification reaction.
The chemical reaction for esterification is given below.