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JAMB Chemistry 1979 Question 1

Question 1

Alkanoic Acids and Esters

An organic compound X has the following properties: I. It is not miscible with water. II. It has boiling point of 77°C III. It has a sweet odour IV. It is insoluble in sodium hydrogen carbonate solution V. It does not decolourize bromine water. X is therefore

  1. A.methane
  2. B.ethanoic acid
  3. C.ethene
  4. D.ethyl ethanoate
  5. E.carbon tetrachloride.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (ethyl ethanoate)

Explanation

A sweet (fruity) smelling, water-insoluble liquid boiling at 77°C that is not an acid (no reaction with NaHCO3) and not unsaturated (no effect on bromine water) is the ester ethyl ethanoate.