Question

an organic compound 'A' is widely used as preservative in pickles and has a molecular formula of C₂H₄O₂. this compound reacts with ethanol to form a sweet smelling compound 'B'. IDENTIFY THE COMPOUND 'A' AND 'B' ,2)STATE THE REACTION, 3)HOW CAN WE GET COMPOUND 'A' BACK FROM 'B'

Answer 1

Compound A is ethanoic acid , CH₃COOH . It is used as preservative in pickles. Ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol to form B ester (Ethyl ethanoate) . The reaction between ethanoic acid and ethanol in presence of acid is known as esterification reaction. The reaction is :
CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH $\to$ CH₃COOC₂H₅
Ethanoic acid will get back from ethyl ethanoate by adding NaOH to it. The reaction is known as saponification reaction . The reaction is :
CH₃COOC₂H₅ $\stackrel{\text{NaOH}}{\to }$ CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH