Question

Which statement about ethanoic acid is correct?

• A. It contains three carbon atom per molecule
• B. It contains five hydrogen atoms per molecule
• C. It is insoluble in water
• D. It reacts with ethanol to form a sweet-smelling compound

Answer 1

The correct option is D

It reacts with ethanol to form a sweet-smelling compound

Explanation of the correct option:

Option D is correct:

1. Ethanoic acid, also known as Acetic acid has the chemical formula $C{H}_{3}COOH$.
2. Ethanoic acid reacts with Ethanol (${\text{C}}_2{\text{H}}_5\text{OH}$) in the presence of concentrated Sulpuric acid to form a sweet smelling ester compound named Ethyl ethanoate or Ethyl acetate (${\text{CH}}_3{\text{COOC}}_2{\text{H}}_5$).
3. The reaction is given below:

${\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2\text{OH (l)}+{\text{CH}}_3\text{COOH (l)}\stackrel{conc.H_{2}S{O}_4}{\to }{\text{CH}}_3{\text{COOCH}}_2{\text{CH}}_3\left(l\right)+{\text{H}}_2\text{O (l)}$

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Options A, B, and C are incorrect:

1. Ethanoic acid contains $2$ Carbon atoms per molecule.
2. It contains $4$ hydrogen atoms per molecule.
3. Ethanoic acid is easily soluble in water.

Hence, option D is correct.

Ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol to form a sweet-smelling compound.