Previous Year Questions: Carbon & its

Compounds -

Previous Years Board Questions

Q 1. An organic compound 'A' has the molecular formula C2H4O2and is acidic

in nature, on heating with alcohol and conc. Sulphuric acid, vapours with
pleasant or fruity smell are given out. What is this chemical compound 'A,' and
what is the chemical equation involved in the reaction?    (CBSE All India 1999)

The compound 'A' with molecular formula C2H4O2is ethanoic acid (acetic
acid). 
Upon heating with ethanol (ethyl alcohol)and concentrated sulphuric acid,
ethyl ethanoate (ethyl acetate)is formed as the product. 
It is an ester with a pleasant or fruity smell. 
The reaction is known as the esterification reaction.
Q 2. An organic compound 'A' is a constituent of antifreeze and has the
molecular formula C2H6O. Upon reaction with alkaline KMnO4, the compound
'A' is oxidised to another compound 'B' with the formula C2H6O2. Identify the
compounds 'A' and 'B'. Write the chemical equation for the reaction, which
leads to the formation of 'B'.    (CBSE All India 2000 Comptt.)
The compound 'A' is ethanol, and with alkaline KMnO4, it is oxidised to
ethanoic acid'B'. 
The chemical equation for the reaction is:

Q 3. Name the functional groups present in the following compounds:

(i) CH3—CH2—CH2—OH 
(ii) CH3—CH2—CH2—COOH
(iii) CH3—CH2—CHO 
(iv) CH3—CO—CH2—CH 3
(i)—OH (alcohol)
(ii)—COOH (carboxylic acid) 
(iii)—CHO (aldehyde) 
(iv)—CO— (ketone)
Q 4. Write the formulae of the compounds and name the functional groups
present in each of them
(i) Ethanoic acid
(ii) Propanone
(iii) Nitromethane  (C.B.S.E. Delhi 2005) 
(i)Ethanoic acid: CH3COOH (carboxylic acid)
(ii)Propanone: CH3COCH3(ketone)
(iii)Nitromethane: CH3NO2(nitro)
Q 5. Name the enzyme which converts:
(i) milk into curd (yogurt)
(ii) cane sugar into glucose and fructose
(iii) glucose into ethanol.  (C.B.S.E. Foreign 2005) 
(i) Lactaseconverts milk into curd.
 Milk to Curd

(ii)Invertaseconverts cane sugar (sucrose) into glucose and fructose.

(iii)Zymaseconverts glucose into ethanol.
Q 6. (i) Name the gas evolved during the fermentation process.    
(C.B.S.E. Delhi 2006)
(ii) List the two products formed when enzyme invertase acts on sugar present
in molasses.
(i)CO2gas is evolved, accompanied by brisk effervescence.
(ii)Glucose and fructose are the products when enzyme invertase acts on sucrose
(C12H22O11) present in molasses.
Q 7. Complete the following equations and write the names of the products
formed. (C.B.S.E. Delhi 2007)
(i) CH3COOH + NaOH 

(ii) C2H5OH + O2 

(iii) CH3COOH + C2H5OH 

Q 8. Name the organic compound present in vinegar.
(C.B.S.E. All India 2007)
The organic compound present in vinegar is ethanoic acid, also called acetic acid. 

Q 9. (a) Why does carbon form compounds by covalent bonding?

(b) An organic acid 'X' is a liquid that often freezes during wintertime in cold
countries. It has the molecular formula C2H4O2. On warming with ethanol in
the presence of a few drops of sulphuric acid, a compound `Y' with a sweet
smell is formed.
(i) Identify X and 'Y'. 
(ii) Write the chemical equation for the reaction involved.    (C.B.S.E. Delhi
2008)
(a) Carbon forms covalent compounds because it is tetravalent, i.e., it has 4 valence
electrons and therefore shares its electron and forms covalent bonds.
(b) 
The available information suggests that the organic acid X with molecular
formula C2H4O2is ethanoic acid (CH3COOH). 
It reacts with ethanolin the presence of a few drops of sulphuric acid on
warming to give ethyl ethanoate ester with a pleasant smell.

Q 10. Why do covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points?  
 (C.B.S.E. All India 2008)
In covalent compounds, the atoms are linked by covalent bonds formed by
electron sharing.
 Since no ions are present in these, the attractive forces are quite weak.
As a result, the covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points.
Q 11. (a) How are carboxylic acids different from mineral acids from ionisation
point of view?
(b) Describe an activity to find how ethanoic acid reacts with sodium
carbonate. Name the gas evolved. How can it be tested?
(a) 
Carboxylic acids (organic acids) are less ionized in solution as compared to
mineral acids (HCI, HNO3, H2SO4,etc.) 
Due to this reason, these are weaker acids than mineral acids.
(b) 
Take a small volume of ethanoic acid in a tube. Add a few drops of sodium
carbonate (Na2CO3) solution prepared in water to the tube. 
A colourless gas(CO2) with brisk effervescencewill evolve. When the gas is
passed through lime water, it will become milky.
Na2CO3(aq) + CH3COOH(aq) → CH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
Ca(OH)2(aq) + CO2(g) →CaCO3(s) + H2O(l)
Lime water (Milky)

Q 12. (a) What is a functional group in a carbon compound? Identify the

functional group present in CH3COOH and C2H5OH.
(b) State the principle on which the cleansing action of soap is based. (C.B.S.E.
Foreign 2008) 
(a) 
A functional group may be defined as an atom or group of atoms upon which
the properties of a particular organic compound are based.
Different families differ in functional groups.
Functional group in CH3COOH : (—COOH) carboxylic acid
Functional group in C2H5OH : (—OH) alcohol
(b) 
The cleansing action of soap is based on its tendency to act as a bridge
between water and oil drops containing dirt particles. 
As a result, oil and water get mixed. 
They form a stable emulsion, also called micelle. 
This helps in removing oil drops containing dirt particles from clothes. The
clothes become clean.
Q 13. (a) Draw the structure of the following compounds.
(i) Ethanoic acid
(ii) Butanone
(b) Why is the conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid considered an oxidation
reaction? (C.B.S.E. Forigen 2008)
(a) 

(b)When ethanol (C2H5OH) changes with ethanoic acid (CH3COOH)

There is a decreasein the number of hydrogen atoms by two.
There is an increasein the number of oxygen atoms by one. 
Therefore, the conversion represents an oxidation reaction.
Q 14. (a) What are esters? How are they formed? 
(b) Write two uses of esters?
(a) 
Esters are the group of organic compounds which contain the function group
(COOR)called ester group.
The value of R may change as —CH3, —C2H5, —C3H7,etc.
Example:

 (Methyl Ethanoate) 
Esters are formed as a result of a chemical reaction called esterification
reaction.
(b) Uses of Esters
 Esters have a pleasant smell. These are used as flavouring agents and also in
perfumes.
Esters of glycerolknown as triglyceridesare used in the manufacture of soaps.
This reaction is called the saponification reaction.

Q 15. Distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions of

organic compounds.    (C.B.S.E. All India 2008)

(a) In the esterification reaction, an acid reacts with alcohol in the pressure of
conc. H2SO4to form an ester with a pleasant or fruity smell.
Example:

(b) Saponification is quite different from esterification because, in this case, an

ester reacts with an alkali (NaOH or KOH) to form a salt of acid and alcohol.
Example:

Q 16. (a) In organic compounds, which part largely determines the physical and
chemical properties.
(b) Write a chemical equation to represent the reaction of ethanol with an
acidified solution of potassium dichromate.
(a) 
In organic compounds, it is the functional group which largely determines the
physical and chemical properties of compounds.
Actually, an organic compound is made up of two parts. These are alkyl group
and the functional group.
These are responsible for the characteristics of the compounds.
Example: 
The properties of alkanols (OH is the functional group) are different from those
of alkanoic acid (COOH is the functional group). For more details, consult the
text part.
(b) 
An acidified solution of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) forms chromic acid
(H2CrO4).
It releases oxygen to bring about the oxidation of ethanol (CH3CH2OH), first to
ethanal and then to ethanoic acid(CH3COOH).

Q 17.Give reasons for the following:

(a) Air holes of the gas burners have to be adjusted when heated vessels get
blackened by the flame.
(b) Use of synthetic detergents causes pollution problems.
(a)
In case the vessel where cooking is done gets blackened from outside, this
means that combustion is incomplete.
As a result, the carbon particles in the form of sootget deposited, and the
vessel becomes black from outside.
In order to check this, oxygen or air supply must be increased. This can be
done only by adjusting the air holes of the gas burner.
(b) 
The pollution problems caused by synthetic detergentsare due to their non-
biodegradable nature.
These are actually long-chain organic compoundswhich do not break or
decompose in water.
Naturally, this will result in pollution problems.
Some of the detergents are even of toxic nature and will make water unfit for
drinking.
Short Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Several factories were pouring their wastes in rivers A and B. Water

samples were collected from these two rivers. It was observed that sample
collected from river A was acidic while that of river B was basic. The factories
located near A and B are(a) Soaps and detergents factories near A and alcohol
distillery near B.(b) Soaps and detergents factories near B and alcohol distillery
near A.(c) Lead storage battery manufacturing factories near A and soaps and
detergents factories near B.(d) Lead storage battery manufacturing factories
near B and soaps and detergents factories near A. [2020]

Correct answer is Option (c)Lead storage battery manufacturing factories near A

and soaps and detergents factories near B 

Q.2. (a) Carry out following conversions :(i) Ethanol to ethene(ii) Ethanol to

ethanoic acid(b) Differentiate between addition reaction and substitution
reaction. Give one example of each. [2020]

(a) (i) When ethanol is heated with cone. H2SO4 at 443 K, ethene is obtained due to
dehydration of ethanol.

(a) (ii) When 5 % alkaline KMnO4 solution is added drop by drop to warm ethanol
then it gets oxidized to ethanoic acid.

(b) Addition reactions : Those reactions in which atoms or group of atoms are

simply added to a double or triple bond without the elimination of any atom or
molecule, are known as addition reactions.
Substitution reactions: The reactions which involve the displacement or
substitution of an atom or a group of atoms in an organic compound by another
atom or group of atoms, are known as substitution reactions.
Saturated hydrocarbons are fairly unreactive and inert in the presence of most of the
reagents. However, in presence of sunlight, hydrocarbons undergo rapid
substitution reactions, e.g.,

Q.3. (a) What is a homologous series? Explain with an example.(b) Define the

following terms giving one example of each.(i) Esterification

(ii) Addition reaction [2020]

(a) A homologous series is the family of organic compounds having the same
functional group, similar chemical properties but the successive (adjacent)
members of the series differ by a -CH2 unit or 14 mass units.

For example, alkane series has general formula CnH2n + 2.

First member of homologous series of alkane is .methane, i.e., CH4.

Second member of homologous series of alkane is ethane, i.e., C2H6.

Third member of homologous series of alkane is propane i.e., C3H8.  

(b) (i) Carboxylic acids react with alcohols in the presence of a little concentrated
sulphuric acid to form pleasant smelling esters. This reaction is called esterification
reaction.
(ii) Addition reactions : Those reactions in which atoms or group of atoms are
simply added to a double or triple bond without the elimination of any atom
or molecule, are known as addition reactions.

Q.4. Assertion (A) : Ethanoic acid is also known as glacial acetic acid.Reason (R)
: The melting point of pure ethanoic acid is 290 K and hence it often freezes
during winters in cold climates.(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the
correct explanation of the assertion (A).(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is
not the correct explanation of the assertion (A).(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true. [2020]

The correct answer is Option(a)(a) Pure ethanoic acid or acetic acid freezes below
room temperature into white crystals that resemble glaciers. 

Q.5. Assertion (A) : Esterification is a process in which a sweet smelling

substance is produced.Reason (R): When esters react with sodium hydroxide,
an alcohol and sodium salt of carboxylic acid are obtained.(a) Both (A) and (R)
are true and (R) is the correct explanation of the assertion (A).(b) Both (A) and
(R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of the assertion (A).(c) (A) is
true, but (R) is false.(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true. [2020]
The correct answer is Option (b)(b): When an ester reacts with the base
saponification reaction occurs.  

Q.6. 3 mL of ethanol is taken in a test tube and warmed gently in a water bath.
A 5% solution of alkaline potassium permanganate is added first drop by drop
to this solution, then in excess. [2020](i) How is 5% solution of KMnO4
prepared?(ii) State the role of alkaline potassium permanganate in this
reaction. What happens when one adds it in excess?(iii) Write chemical
equation of this reaction. (2020)

(i) 5% solution of KMnO4 is prepared by adding 5 g of KMnO4 in 95 g of water.

(ii) Here alkaline KMnO4 acts as an oxidising agent. It oxidises ethanol to ethanoic

acid by donating nascent oxygen. If excess of KMnO4 is added the purple colour will
persist indicating no more alcohol is left and there is no reaction.

Q.7. Carbon, a member of group 14, forms a large number of carbon

compounds estimated to be about three million. Why is this property not
exhibited by other elements of this group? Explain. [2020]

Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbon, giving rise
to large molecules. This property is called catenation. Carbon shows catenation due
to its small size and Stronger carbon-carbon bond strength. As we move down the
group, the element-element bond energies decrease rapidly. For this reason other
elements of this group show little or no catenation property.
Q.8. Assertion (A) : Following are the
members of a homologous seriesCH3OH,
CH3CH2OH, CH3CH2CH2OHReason (R) :
A series of compounds with same
functional group but differing by -
CH2 unit is called homologous series.(a)
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the
correct explanation of the assertion (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is
not the correct explanation of the
assertion (A).(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[2020]Ans: (a): The given compounds are
members of homologous series of alcohol. 
Q.9. Name a cyclic unsaturated carbon compound. [2020]

Benzene is a cyclic unsaturated carbon compound.

Q.10. Covalent compounds have low melting and boiling point. Why? [2020]

Covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points because the forces of
attraction between molecules of covalent compounds are very weak. On applying a
small amount of heat these molecular forces break.  

Q.11. (a)Define the term isomer.(b) Two compounds have same molecular

formula C3H6O. Write the name of these compounds and their structural
formula.(c) How would you bring the following conversions:(i) Ethanol to
ethene(ii) Propanol to propanoic acid? [2019]

(a) Isomers are those molecules which have the same molecular formula but
different structural formula i.e., show different properties.
(b)
 
(c)  (i) When ethanol is heated with conc. H2SO4 at 443 K, ethene is obtained due to
dehydration of ethanol.

(c) (ii) Propanol to propanoic acid

Q.12. Write the chemical formula and name of the compound which is the
active ingredient of all alcoholic drinks. List its two uses. Write chemical
equation and name of the product formed when this compound reacts
with(i) sodium metal(ii) hot concentrated sulphuric acid. [2019]

Ethanol having chemical formula C2H5OH is the active ingredient of all alcoholic

drinks.Uses of ethanol:1. Ethanol is widely used in industry as a solvent.2. Ethanol is
used as an antiseptic for wounds in the form of rectified spirit.Chemical equations: 
(i) 2C2H5OH + 2Na → 2C2H5O–Na+ + H2 ↑ 
(ii)

Q.13. (a) State the reason why carbon can neither form C4+ cations nor C4-
anions, but forms covalent bonds. Also state reasons to explain why covalent
compounds(i) are bad conductors of electricity.(ii) have low melting and
boiling points.(b) Write the structural formula of benzene, C6H6 [2019]

(a)  Ionic compounds are formed either by gaining or losing electrons from the
outermost shells, but carbon which has four electrons in its outermost shell cannot
form ionic bonds because1. If carbon forms ionic bonds by gaining four electrons
to attain a noble gas configuration then it would be difficult for six protons in the
nucleus to hold ten electrons.2. If carbon forms ionic bonds by loss of four
electrons then it would require a lot of energy to remove these electrons from
outermost shell.Due to these reasons carbon forms covalent bonds by sharing the
valence electrons.Type of bonds formed in ionic compounds are called electrovalent
bonds and the type of bonds formed in carbon compounds are called covalent
bonds. 
(i) Covalent bonds are those bonds which are formed by sharing of the valence
electrons between two atoms. 

 Electron dot structure of MethaneCovalent compounds are generally poor

conductors of electricity because they do not have tree electrons or ions. 
(ii) Covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points because the forces of
attraction between molecules of covalent compounds are very weak. On applying a
small amount of heat these molecular forces break.
(b) Structural formula of Benzene, C6H6 is shown below
Q.14. What happens when this compound burns with oxygen?  [2019]

(i) Methane is the first member of alkane series having formula CH4. 

Covalent bonds are those bonds which are formed by sharing of the valence
electrons between two atoms. Electron dot structure of methane is shown in the
figure. 

 Electron dot structure of Methane

Covalent compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity because they do
not have tree electrons or ions. 
(ii)  When methane is burnt in presence of oxygen then carbon dioxide will be
produced.CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O + heat + light 
Covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points because the forces of
attraction between molecules of covalent compounds are very weak. On applying a
small amount of heat these molecular forces break.
Q.15. Which type of compounds can be formed by carbon?    [CBSE 2018]

Covalent compounds can be formed by carbon.

Q.16. What happens when hydrogen is added to a vegetable oil in the presence
of nickel? Name the reaction and write one difference between the physical
property of the vegetable oil and the product obtained in this reaction. Write
the role of nickel in this reaction.    [CBSE 2018C]

Vegetable oil undergoes hydrogenation to form saturated product known as

vegetable ghee or vanaspati ghee. This reaction is known as hydrogenation of
oils.
Vegetable oil is liquid at room temperature whereas vegetable ghee is solid at
room temperature.
Nickel acts as catalyst and forms saturated hydrocarbons.

Q.17. (a) Why are most carbon compounds poor conductors of electricity?(b)
Write the name and structure of a saturated compound in which the carbon
atoms are arranged in a ring. Give the number of single bonds present in this
compound. [CBSE 2018]

(a) Carbon compounds are covalent in nature and they do not dissociate to form
ions because of which they are poor conductors of electricity.(b) Cyclohexane is the
saturated compound in which the carbon atoms are arranged in a ring.
Cyclohexane

It has 18 single bonds.

Q.18. Two carbon compounds X and Y have the molecular formula C4H8 and
C5H12 respectively. Which one of these is most likely to show addition
reaction? Justify your answer. Also give the chemical equation to explain the
process of addition reaction in this case.    [Delhi 2017]
 ‘X’ (C4H8) will show addition reaction because it is unsaturated, i.e. it has a double
bond e.g.

 When a molecule or a compound is added to unsaturated compound to form a

saturated compound is called addition reaction.
Q.19. Complete the following chemical equations:    [Delhi 2017](i)
CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH →(ii) CH3COOH + NaOH →

(iii)

(i) CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH → CH3COONa + C2H5OH(ii) CH3COOH + NaOH →

CH3COONa + H2O
(iii) C2H5OH + CH3COOH → CH3COOC2H5 + H2O
Q20. Write the structural formula of ethanol and list its two physical
properties. What happens when it is heated with excess of cone. H2SO4 at 443
K? State the role of conc. H2SO4 in this reaction.     [DoE, AI 2017, Foreign 2013]

CH3—CH2OH is structural formula of ethanolPhysical properties:(i) It is liquid and

has sweet smell.(ii) It is soluble in water in all proportions.When ethanol is heated
with cone. H2SO4 at 443 K, ethene is formed.

Conc. H2SO4 acts as dehydrating agent.

Q.21. Ethanoic acid reacts with absolute ethanol in the presence of Conc. H2SO4
to form a compound:    [AI 2017 C](i) Write the smell and class of compounds
to which this compound belongs.(ii) Write the chemical equation for the
reaction and state the role of Conc. H2SO4 in the reaction.(iii) Write one use of
the product of this reaction.

(i) The compound formed is ‘Esters’ It has a pleasant fruity smell.

(ii) 

Conc. H2SO4 acts as dehydrating agent.

(iii) It is used as a solvent in glass, nail polish removers and decaffeinating tea and
coffee. It is used is solvent in printing to modify its drying rate.

Uses of esters:
Esters are used as flavouring agents in ice creams, cold drinks etc.
They are used in perfumes.
Q.22. Distinguish between esterification and saponification reactions of
organic compounds with the help of the chemical equation for each. What is
the use of (i) esters and (ii) saponification process?    [AI 2017, Foreign 2012]
Uses:(i) Esters are used in cold drinks, ice creams, perfumes and as artificial
flavouring agents.(ii) Saponification process is used in manufacture of soaps.

Q.23. Name two oxidising agents that are used for the conversion of alcohols
to acids. Distinguish between ethanol and ethanoic acid on the basis of (a)
litmus test, and (b) reaction with sodium hydrogen carbonate.    [Delhi 2013; AI
2012; Foreign 2017]

Alkaline KMnO4/NaOH (Potassium permanganate) and Acidified K2Cr2O7 / H2SO4

(Potassium dichromate).

Q.24. What is the homologous series of carbon compounds? List any two
characteristics. Write the name and formula of next higher homologue of
HCOOH.   [CBSE 2017]

A series of compounds whose two successive members differ by - CH2 in the

molecule formula and which show similar chemical properties are called
homologous series.Characteristics:1. Melting and boiling points increase
regularly with increase in molecular mass.2. Solubility in a particular solvent
shows a regular gradation.3. Chemical properties remain the same in the
homologous series.Next higher homologue of HCOOH is CH3COOH. Its name is
ethanoic acid or acetic acid.

Q.25. When ethanol reacts with ethanoic acid in the presence of conc. H2SO4, a
substance with fruity smell is produced. Answer the following:    [CBSE 2016](i)
State the class of compounds to which the fruity smelling compounds belong.
Write the chemical equation for the reaction and write the chemical name of
the product formed.(ii) State the role of cone. H2SO4 in this reaction.

(i) Fruity smelling compounds belong to the class of esters.

(ii) Conc. H2SO4 acts as a dehydrating agent and removes the water formed in the
reaction.

Q.26. What are covalent compounds? Why are they different from ionic
compounds? List their three characteristic properties.    [CBSE 2016]

Covalent compounds are the compounds that contain covalent bonds in the
molecule. A covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons between the
atoms.While a covalent compound contains covalent bonds, the ionic compound is
made up of ionic bond which is formed by transference of electrons from one atom
to the other.Characteristics of covalent compounds:(i) These compounds show
low melting points and boiling points because the intermolecular forces are weak.(ii)
Such compounds are poor conductors of electricity.(iii) Generally insoluble or less
soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

Q.27. Write chemical equation of the reaction of ethanoic acid with the
following:(а) Sodium; (b) Sodium hydroxide; (c) Ethanol.Write the name of one
main product of each reaction.    [CBSE 2016]
Q.28. An aldehyde as well as a ketone can be represented by the same
molecular formula, say C3H6O. Write their structures and name them. State the
relationship between the two in the language of science.    [CBSE 2016]

The structures of the aldehyde and ketone with the molecular formula C3H6O are

Both these compounds are isomers (because they have the same molecular formula
but different structural formula).

Q.29.(i) The chemical properties of ethanol are different from methyl

ethanoate. Justify the statement with a proper reason.(ii) Methyl ethanoate is
used in making perfumes. Justify.(iii) Ethanol is converted into ethene with
excess of hot concentrated H2SO4. Justify with the help of chemical equation.
[CBSE 2016]

(i) Ethanol reacts with sodium metal whereas methyl ethanoate does not. They differ
in functional group, and in chemical properties.(ii) It is because it has pleasant fruity
smell.(iii) 

Ethanol gets dehydrated with conc. H2SO4 to form ethene and H2O.

Q.30. (a) Define the term functional group. Identify the functional group
present in

(i)

(ii)
(b) What happens when 5% alkaline KMnO4 solution is added drop by drop to
warm ethanol taken in a test tube? State the role of alkaline KMnO4 solution in
this reaction.    [Foreign 2016]

(a) It is an atom or group of atoms or reactive part of compound which largely

determine the chemical properties of compound (i) Methanol (ii) Ethanoic acid.
(b) 

Alkaline KMnO4 acts as an oxidizing agent.

Q.31. On dropping a small piece of sodium in a test tube containing carbon

compound ‘X ’ With molecular formula C2H6O, a brisk effervescence is
observed and a gas ‘Y' is produced, On bringing a burning splinter at the
mouth of the test tube the gas evolved burns with a pop sound. Identify ‘X ’
and 'Y'. Also write the chemical equation for the reaction. Write the name and
structure of the product formed, when you heat ‘X’ with excess cone, sulphuric
acid.    [AI 2016]
 ‘X’ is C2H5OH
2C2H5OH + 2Na → C2H5Na + H2‘Y’ is H2(g) which burns with ‘pop’ sound.

Ethene is the product.

Q.32. An organic compound ‘P' is a constituent of wine. ‘P ’ on reacting with

acidified K2Cr2O7 forms another compound ‘Q'. When a piece of sodium is
added to ‘Q’ a gas ‘R’ evolves which burns with a pop sound. Identify P, Q and
R and write the chemical equations of the reactions involved.    [Foreign 2016]

‘P ’ is C2H5OH, Ethanol

Q is Acetic Acid.
2CH3COOH + 2Na → 2CH3COONa + H2‘R’ is hydrogen gas which burns with ‘pop’
sound.

Q.33.(a) Give chemical tests to detect the presence of(i) Ethanol (ii) Ethanoic
acid(b) Why ethanoic acid is also called glacial acetic acid?    [CBSE 2016]

(a) Add sodium hydrogen carbonate. Ethanol will not react. Ethanoic acid will give
brisk effervescence due to carbon dioxide.(b) Pure ethanoic acid exists as solid like
glaciers at 291 K, therefore, called glacial acetic acid.
Q.34. Write a chemical equation of the action of ethanoic acid with the
following: (a) Sodium; (b) Sodium hydroxide; (c) Ethanol.Write the name of
one main product of each reaction.    [Al 2016]

(a) 2CH3COOH + 2Na → 2CH3COONa + H2Sodium ethoxide is the main product

formed.(b) CH3COOH + NaOH→ CH3COONa + H2OSodium ethoxide is the main
product formed.
(c)

Ethyl ethanoate (ester) is the main product formed.

Q.35. Under what conditions an oxidation reaction can be called a combustion

reaction? Illustrate your answer with examples.    [CBSE 2016]

When complete oxidation of fuel takes place with the release of high amount of
heat and light, it is called combustion reaction. It is highly exothermic and generally
accompanied by evolution of heat and light.Examples - Burning of coalC + O2 →
CO2 + heat + lightBurning of the rocket fuel (liquid H2)2H2O + O2 → 2H2O + heat +
lightBurning of acetylene used in welding torches.2C2H2 + 5O2 → 4CO2 + 2H2O +
heat + light

Q.36. C3H6, C4H8 and C5H10 belong to the same homologous series.    [CBSE
2016] (i) Define homologous series.(ii) Why are the melting and boiling points
of C5H10 is higher than C4H8?(iii) Arrange these hydrocarbons in order of
increasing boiling points.

(i) The series of organic compounds which have similar chemical properties, same
functional group and same general formula is called homologous series.(ii) It is
because C5H10 has higher molecular weight, more Vander Wall’s force of attraction
and higher boiling points and melting points.(iii) C3H6 < C4H8 < C5H10 is increasing
order of boiling point.

Q.37. An aldehyde as well as ketone can be represented by the same molecular

formula, say C3H6O. Write their structures and name them. State the relation
between the two in the language of science.    [Al 2016]

They are functional isomers.

Q.38. Write the name and molecular formula of an organic compound having
its name suffixed with ‘ol' and having two carbon atoms in its molecule. Write
the balanced chemical equation to indicate what happens when this compound
is heated with excess conc. H2SO4 and the name of main product formed. Also
state the role of conc. H2SO4 in the reaction.

Ethanol, C2H5OH

Conc. H2SO4 acts as dehydrating agent.

Q.39. What is an oxidising agent? What happens when an oxidising agent is

added to propanol? Explain with the help of a chemical equation.    [Delhi 2016]
Those substances which add oxygen are called oxidising agent and propanoic acid is
formed.

Reaction of Propanol with Oxidizing Agent

Propanol will get oxidised to propanoic acid by acidified KMnO4.

Q.40. Draw the electron-dot structure for ethyne. A mixture of ethyne and
oxygen is burnt for welding. In your opinion, why cannot we use a mixture of
ethyne and air for this purpose?    [AI 2015]

Electron-dot structure of Ethyne

Ethyne and air will not produce enough heat due to incomplete combustion
needed for welding purpose. Ethyne and oxygen will produce a lot of heat due to
complete combustion which can be used for welding purposes.

Q.41. That is meant by isomers? Draw the structures of two isomers of butane,
C4H10. Explain why we cannot have isomers of the first three members of
alkane series.    [DoE, Delhi 2015]

Isomers are those compounds which have the same molecular formula but different
structural formula.
Butane & Iso-Butane are two isomers of C4H10. Isomers are not possible for the
first three members because branching is not possible.

Q.42. Write the name and general formula of a chain of hydrocarbons in which
an addition reaction with hydrogen is possible. State the essential conditions
for an addition reaction. Stating this condition, write a chemical equation
giving the name of the reactant and the product of the reaction.    [AI 2015]

 CnH2n and CnH2n- 2 are the general formula of alkene and alkynes in which addition
reaction with hydrogen is possible. Hydrogen is added to unsaturated hydrocarbon
(having double or triple bond) in presence of heated nickel as catalyst.
Q.43. Write the molecular formula of the following compounds and draw their
electron-dot structures:    [Foreign 2015](i) Ethane (ii) Ethene (iii) Ethyne

(i) Ethane (C2H6)

(ii) Ethene (C2H4)

(iii) Ethyne (C2H2)

Q.44. Write the respective chemical equations to show what happens when  
 [Foreign 2015](i) Methane is burned in presence of oxygen?(ii) Ethanol is
heated with concentrated sulphuric acid at 443 K?(iii) Ethanol reacts with
ethanoic acid in the presence of an acid acting as a catalyst?

(i) CH4 + 2O2 → 2H2O + CO2Water and carbon dioxide formed.

(ii)

The concentrated sulphuric acid can be regarded as a dehydrating agent which

removes water from ethanol.
(iii) 

Esters are sweet smelling substances.

Q.45. Write the chemical equation to explain what happens when ethanol is
heated with alkaline solution of potassium permanganate. Mention two
physical properties and two uses of ethanol.    [Foreign 2015]

Alkaline KMnO4 is dark pink in colour. So when it is added to ethanol and heated,
the pink colour of the solution disappears. When excess of KMnO4 is added, the
pink colour does not disappear, indicating that all the ethanol has been converted to
ethanoic acid.• Physical properties of ethanol:(a) It is a colourless liquid with pleasant
smell and burning taste.(b) It is a volatile liquid with low boiling point.• Uses of
ethanol:(a) It is used in the manufacture of medicines, varnished, paints, dyes, soap,
etc.(b) It is a good solvent. Many organic compounds which are insoluble in water
are soluble in ethanol.

Q.46. What is the difference between the molecules of soaps and detergents?
Explain the cleansing action of soaps.    [CBSE 2015]

Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long chain carboxylic acids.Detergents are
ammonium or sulphonate salts of long chain carboxylic acids.

Cleansing action of soap: The ionic end of soap dissolves in water while the carbon
chain dissolves in oil. Soap molecules form micelles where one end of the soap
molecule is linked to oil droplet while the ionic part faces water. This forms an
emulsion in water. On adding water, these micelles containing dirt are washed away
and our clothes are washed clean. This is represented in the figure.

Q.49. With the help of an example, explain the process of hydrogenation.

Mention the essential conditions for the reaction and state the change in
physical property with the formation of the product.    [CBSE 2015]
Conversion of oil into fat by passing hydrogen gas in the presence of nickel as
catalyst is called hydrogenation. This is how hydrogenation is carried
out.Conditions: The presence of a catalyst like nickel is essential.Change in physical
property: Oils are liquids while the fats obtained on hydrogenation are solids i.e., a
change in the physical state takes place on hydrogenation.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1. What is methane? Draw its electron dot structure. Name the type of bonds
formed in this compound. Why are such compounds:    [Delhi 2019](i) poor
conductors of electricity? and(ii) have low melting and boiling points? What
happens when this compound in oxygen?

Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon which is produced when carbon atom shares
its 4 valence electrons with 4 hydrogen atoms.Methane achieves noble gas
electronic configuration by sharing its four electrons with other elements, i.e. it
forms covalent compounds.

Electron Dot Structure

Q.2. A compound A (C2H4O2) reacts with Na metal to form a compound B and

evolves a gas which burns with a pop sound. Compound A on treatment with
an alcohol C in the presence of an acid forms a sweet smelling compound, D
(C4H8O2). On addition of NaOH to D gives back B and C. Identify A, B, C and D.
Write the reactions involved.    [CBSE Sample Questions Paper 2018]

The compounds A, B, C and D are given as under:A = CH3COOHB = CH3COONaC =

C2H5OHD = CH3COOC2H5The reactions are explained as under:
Q.3. Soaps and detergents are both types of salts. State the difference between
the two. Write the mechanism of the cleansing action of soaps. Why do soaps
not form lather (foam) with hard water? Mention any two problems that arise
due to the use of detergents instead of soaps.    [Delhi 2017]

 Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids having —COONa group.
Detergents are sodium or potassium salts of sulphonic acids having — SO3Na and —
SO4Na group.Cleansing Action of Soap. Soaps consist of a large hydrocarbon tail
which is hydrophobic (water-hating or water repelling) with a negatively charged
head which is hydrophilic (water-loving) as shown in figure.
When a soap is dissolved in water, the molecules associate together as clusters
called micelles in which, water molecules being polar in nature, surround the ions
and the hydrocarbon part of the molecule attracts grease, oil and dirt.

Hard water has Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions when they react with soap to form insoluble
compound and soap goes waste.

Disadvantages of Detergents

(i) Detergents are expensive.

(ii) Many detergents are branched chain hydrocarbon which are not biodegradable
and create water pollution.
Q.4. (a) You have three unlabelled test tubes containing ethanol, ethanoic acid
and soap solution. Explain the method you would use to identify the
compounds in different test tubes by chemical tests using litmus paper and
sodium metal.(b) Give the reason of formation of scum when soaps are used
with hard water.    [Foreign 2016]
 (a) Ethanol will not be affected by blue litmus as well as red litmus paper. Ethanoic
acid will turn blue litmus red whereas red litmus will remain as it is. Soap solution
will turn red litmus blue but blue litmus will remain as it is. Sodium metal will liberate
hydrogen gas with ethanol as well as ethanoic acid. Soap solution will not react with
sodium metal.(b) It is because soap will react with Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions present in
hand water to form calcium salts of fatty acids which are insoluble and called scum.

Q.5. (a) Give a chemical test to distinguish between saturated and unsaturated

hydrocarbon.(b) Name the products formed when ethane burns in air. Write
the balanced chemical equation for the reaction showing the types of energies
liberated.(c) Why is reaction between methane and chlorine in the presence of
sunlight considered a substitution reaction?    [Delhi 2016]

(a) Add bromine water. Unsaturated hydrocarbon will decolourise bromine water

whereas saturated hydrocarbon will not.(b) Carbon dioxide and Water are formed.
2C2H6 (g) + 7O2 (g) → 4CO2 (g) + 6H2O +Heat + Light(c) It is because hydrogen
atom of methane gets substituted by chlorine atom to form chloromethane,
therefore, it is called a substitution reaction.

Q.6. What are micelles? Why does it form when soap is added to water? Will a
micelle be formed in other solvents such as ethanol also? State briefly how the
formation of micelles help to clean the clothes having oily spots.    [Foreign
2016]

 Micelles: When molecular ions in soaps and detergents aggregate, they form
micelles.It is because a large number of molecular ions of soaps get aggregated and
form colloidal solution. Soap has hydrophobic tail (hydrocarbon) which dissolves in
hydrocarbon part and hydrophilic part dissolves in water. Ethanol is non-polar
solvent therefore micelles are not formed because hydrocarbon part gets attracted
towards ethanol and the ionic end will not dissolve in alcohol.

Q.7. A carbon compound ‘P ’ on heating with excess cone. H2SO4 forms

another carbon compound ‘Q’ which on addition of hydrogen in the presence
of nickel catalyst forms a saturated carbon compound 'R'. One molecule of 'R’
on combustion forms two molecules of carbon dioxide and three molecules of
water. Identify P, Q and R and write chemical equations for the reactions
involved.    [CBSE 2016]

 The compounds are identified as under:P = Ethanol (CH3CH2OH)Q = Ethene (CH2 =

CH2)R = Ethane (CH3 – CH3)Reactions are given as under:

Q.8. Explain why carbon forms compounds mainly by covalent bond. Explain in
brief two main reasons for carbon forming a large number of compounds. Why
does carbon form strong bonds with most other elements?    [CBSE 2015] 

Carbon has no tendency to lose electrons easily. Similarly it has no tendency to

gain electrons. It completes its octet by sharing the electrons with other atoms.
Therefore, carbon forms compounds mainly by covalent bond.Two main reasons
for carbon forming a large number of compounds are given below:Catenation:
It is the property of carbon to link with other carbon atoms to form straight
chain, branched chain or cyclic compounds. Thus, carbon forms a large number
of compounds containing 2, 3, 4, 5,....etc., carbon atoms.Tetravalency: Carbon
has four electrons in the outermost shell. It shares these four electrons with four
electrons from four other monovalent atoms. Carbon has the tendency to form
bonds with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and halogens. This increases the
number of compounds of carbon.Carbon forms strong bonds with most other
elements : This is because carbon has a small atomic size. It can hold strongly
the four pairs of electrons that it shares with other atoms. Therefore, it forms
strong bonds with other elements.