Question

A neutral organic compound X of molecular formula C₂H₆O on oxidation with acidified potassium dichromate gives an acidic compound Y. Compound X reacts with Y on warming in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄ to give a sweet smelling substance Z. What are X, Y and Z?

Answer 1

The neutral organic compound 'X' having the molecular formula C₂H₅OH is ethanol (alcohol with functional group -OH). 
When ethanol undergoes oxidation reaction (controlled combustion) with acidified potassium dichromate, it gets oxidised to form an acidic compound, Y, called ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH).
Ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid to release a sweet smelling ester, Z, called ethyl ethanoate (CH₃-COO-CH₂-CH₃).

The chemical equations involving the compounds are as follows:
CH₃CH₂OH + 2[O]  →  CH₃COOH + H₂O.
CH₃COOH  + CH₃CH₂OH→ CH₃COOC₂H₅  + H₂O