Question

A four carbons atoms containing neutral organic compound X reacts with sodium metal to evolve a gas which burns with 'pop' sound. Another four carbon atoms containing carbon compound reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate to evolve a gas which turns lime water milky. When compounds X and Y are heated together in the presence of a little of concentrated sulphuric acid, then a new compound Z is formed.

(a) What is compound X ? Also write its formula.
(b) What is compound Y ? Also write its formula.
(c) What is compound Z ? Also write its formula.
(d) What type of smell is given by compound Z?
(e) What is the general name of compounds like Z?
(f) What is the general name of the reaction which which takes place between X and Y to form Z?

Answer 1

(a) The compound X is butanol, and its formula is C₄H₉OH.
(b) The compound Y is butanoic acid, and its formula is C₃H₇COOH.
(c) The compound Z is butyl butanoate, and its formula is C₃H₇COOC₄H9.
(d) The type of smell produced by the compound is a sweet, fruity fragrance.
(e) Ester is the general name given to the compound formed by the reaction of X and Y.
(f) Esterification is the general name of the reaction which takes place between butanol and butanoic acid to produce butyl butanoate.