Question

In the reaction, Identify the reactant X. $C{H}_{3}COOH+X\stackrel{\text{Conc.}{H}_{2}S{O}_4}{\to }C{H}_{3}COO{C}_2{H}_5+H_{2}O$

• A. Ethane
• B. Methanol
• C. Ethanol
• D. Propanol

Answer 1

The correct option is C Ethanol

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.
$C{H}_{3}COOH+C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}OH\underset{\text{Esterification}}{\overset{H^{+}}{\to }}C{H}_{3}COOC{H}_{2}C{H}_3+H_{2}O\text{Acetic acid}\text{Ethyl alcohol}\text{Ethyl Acetate}$
Hence, X is ethanol.