A student was given the task of identifying a liquid organic compound that contains only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 17 - 2008 - Paper 1
Question 17
A student was given the task of identifying a liquid organic compound that contains only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The following tests were carried out:
Test 1 ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student was given the task of identifying a liquid organic compound that contains only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 17 - 2008 - Paper 1
Step 1
Test 1: Some brown Br₂(aq) was added to a sample of the compound.
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Answer
The reaction with bromine indicates the presence of a double bond in the compound. Alkenes react with bromine to form a colourless dibromide product, hence the presence of a double bond.
Step 2
Test 2: Some Na₂CO₃(s) was added to a sample of the compound.
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Answer
The reaction with sodium carbonate producing a colourless gas indicates the presence of an acid or a compound that can react with carbonate to release carbon dioxide (CO₂). This suggests that the compound could be an alcohol or a carboxylic acid.
Step 3
Conclusion based on the results.
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Answer
Given the results of both tests, the compound must contain at least a double bond and also have a functional group capable of releasing carbon dioxide, such as a carboxylic acid or a certain type of alcohol. Among the given structures, Option B fits the criteria: it has a double bond and could react as described in both tests.