Answer to Question #129660 in Organic Chemistry for Kelvin Owusu

Question

A compound X has formula C3H6O2. When X is refluxed with excess ethanol, C2H5OH in the presence of concentration H2SO4, a pleasant smelling oily substance Y is produced.

i. To what classes of compounds do X and Y belong?

ii. Give the names of X and Y.

iii. Write the structural formula of X and Y.

iv. Write the equation for the reaction between X and ethanol.

Answer 1

1) Since the compound X reacts with an alcohol in presence of H₂SO₄ forming the pleasant smelling oily substance, the compound X is a carboxylic acid while the compound Y is an ester.

2) Compound X - propanoic acid; compound Y - ethyl propanoate.

Structural formulas and the reaction equation are attached.