Ethanol is broken down in the human body as shown in the scheme on the right - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 8 - 2017
Question 8
Ethanol is broken down in the human body as shown in the scheme on the right.
(a)
Draw the structure of an ethanol molecule.
Circle its functional group.
Explain ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Ethanol is broken down in the human body as shown in the scheme on the right - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 8 - 2017
Step 1
Draw the structure of an ethanol molecule.
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Answer
The structure of an ethanol molecule is drawn as follows:
H H
| |
H--C---C--OH
| |
H H
This representation shows the molecular structure where the hydroxyl group (–OH) is clearly indicated.
Step 2
Circle its functional group.
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Answer
The functional group of ethanol, the hydroxyl group (–OH), is to be circled in the drawn structure.
Step 3
Explain why ethanol is very soluble in water.
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Answer
Ethanol is very soluble in water due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds. As a polar covalent molecule, ethanol can interact favorably with water molecules through dipole-dipole attractions. The presence of the hydroxyl group (–OH) enhances solubility, as it allows ethanol to mix well with water, following the principle that 'like dissolves like.' Therefore, the polarity of both ethanol and water contributes to this high solubility.
Step 4
To which homologous series does ethanol belong?
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Answer
Ethanol belongs to the alcohol homologous series.
Step 5
Which of the compounds ethanol, ethanal and ethanoic acid, (i) is found in vinegar?
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Answer
The compound found in vinegar is ethanoic acid.
Step 6
Which of the compounds ethanol, ethanal and ethanoic acid, (ii) produces a red precipitate when heated with Blue Fehling's reagent?
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Answer
Ethanal produces a red precipitate when heated with Blue Fehling's reagent.
Step 7
Which of the compounds ethanol, ethanal and ethanoic acid, (iii) results in fizzing when magnesium metal is added to a solution of it in cold water?
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Answer
Ethanoic acid results in fizzing when magnesium metal is added to a solution of it in cold water.
Step 8
Name or give the formula of a reagent that could be used to oxidise a sample of ethanol in the school laboratory.
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A reagent that could be used to oxidise a sample of ethanol is potassium permanganate (KMnO₄).
Step 9
Select one of the following instrumental methods of analysis that can be used to detect ethanol in a blood sample: colorimetry, carbon-14 dating, gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry.
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Answer
Gas chromatography (GC) is the instrumental method that can be used to detect ethanol in a blood sample.
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