A test tube containing a straight chain organic acid X, ethanol and a catalyst is heated in a water bath, as illustrated below - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 2
A test tube containing a straight chain organic acid X, ethanol and a catalyst is heated in a water bath, as illustrated below.
Organic compound Y is produced accor... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A test tube containing a straight chain organic acid X, ethanol and a catalyst is heated in a water bath, as illustrated below - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
2.1 Give a reason why the test tube is heated in a water bath instead of directly over the flame.
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Answer
The test tube is heated in a water bath to provide even heating, reducing the risk of overheating or causing the contents to catch fire. A water bath allows for better temperature control, which is crucial when working with flammable substances like ethanol.
Step 2
2.2.1 Type of reaction that takes place here
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The reaction taking place is esterification, where an organic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst.
Step 3
2.2.2 FORMULA of the catalyst needed
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The formula of the catalyst needed is H2SO4 (sulfuric acid), which is commonly used in esterification reactions.
Step 4
2.2.3 Homologous series to which compound Y belongs
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Compound Y belongs to the ester homologous series.
Step 5
2.3 Determine the molecular formula of compound Y.
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Given that the molecular mass of compound Y is 144 g mol⁻¹ and its empirical formula is C4H8O, the molecular formula is C8H16O2, as the empirical unit (C4H8O) can fit twice into the molecular mass.
Step 6
2.4 Write down the IUPAC name of compound Y.
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The IUPAC name of compound Y is ethyl hexanoate.
Step 7
2.5 Write down the structural formula of the organic acid X.
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The structural formula of the organic acid X is CH3(CH2)4COOH, which represents hexanoic acid.
