A test tube containing a straight chain organic acid X, ethanol and a catalyst is heated in a water bath, as illustrated below - English General - 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 - English General - 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.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
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
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
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
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
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
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Compound Y belongs to the ester homologous series.
Step 5
2.3 Determine the molecular formula of compound Y.
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
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.
97%
121 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The IUPAC name of compound Y is ethyl hexanoate.
Step 7
2.5 Write down the structural formula of the organic acid X.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The structural formula of the organic acid X is CH3(CH2)4COOH, which represents hexanoic acid.
