Write chemical equation of the reaction of ethanoic acid with the following: (a) Sodium; (b) Sodium hydroxide; (c) Ethanol. Write the name of one main product of each reaction.
Write chemical equation of the reaction of ethanoic acid with the following: (a) Sodium; (b) Sodium hydroxide; (c) Ethanol. Write the name of one main product of each reaction.
Official answer
The chemical equations for the reactions of ethanoic acid () are as follows:
(a) Reaction with Sodium ():
Ethanoic acid reacts with active sodium metal to liberate hydrogen gas and form sodium ethanoate.
- Main Product Name: Sodium ethanoate (or Sodium acetate)
(b) Reaction with Sodium hydroxide ():
Ethanoic acid reacts with a base like sodium hydroxide to undergo a neutralization reaction, forming salt and water.
- Main Product Name: Sodium ethanoate (or Sodium acetate)
(c) Reaction with Ethanol ():
In the presence of an acid catalyst, ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol to form a sweet-smelling ester.
- Main Product Name: Ethyl ethanoate (or Ethyl acetate / Ester)
Marking scheme
- 1.Correct balanced chemical equation for reaction with Sodium and naming the product 'Sodium ethanoate'. (0.5 marks)
- 2.Correct balanced chemical equation for reaction with Sodium hydroxide and naming the product 'Sodium ethanoate'. (0.5 marks)
- 3.Correct balanced chemical equation for reaction with Ethanol (esterification) in the presence of an acid catalyst. (0.5 marks)
- 4.Naming the ester product as 'Ethyl ethanoate' or 'Ethyl acetate'. (0.5 marks)
Hint
Recall that ethanoic acid is an organic acid. It reacts with metals to release hydrogen gas, with bases to form salt and water, and with alcohols to form sweet-smelling esters.
Quick oral answer
When ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid, a sweet, fruity-smelling compound called an ester (specifically ethyl ethanoate) is formed. This reaction is called esterification.
Common mistakes
- 1.Writing the formula of sodium ethanoate incorrectly as instead of .
- 2.Forgetting to write the acid catalyst over the arrow in the esterification reaction.
- 3.Confusing the ester product name as 'methyl ethanoate' instead of 'ethyl ethanoate'.
Analysis and explanation
Ethanoic acid (commonly known as acetic acid) is a weak mono-protic acid.
- With highly electropositive metals like sodium, it undergoes a single displacement reaction to release hydrogen gas, which can be tested with a pop sound.
- With strong bases like sodium hydroxide, it undergoes a standard neutralization reaction to form a soluble salt (sodium ethanoate) and water.
- With alcohols like ethanol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid (which acts as both a catalyst and a dehydrating agent), it undergoes a reversible esterification reaction to yield ethyl ethanoate, characterized by its distinct fruity aroma.
Interesting facts
Esterification is a reversible reaction. To obtain a high yield of ester, concentrated sulfuric acid is used because it absorbs the water formed, shifting the equilibrium forward according to Le Chatelier's principle.
Question details
Q4 of 31 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2016
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 2
- Type
- Short Answer
- Chapter
- Carbon and its Compounds
- Topic
- Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds
- Bloom's level
- Applying
- Syllabus topic
- Properties and reactions of ethanoic acid
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2016?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Carbon and its Compounds" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper.