passwella.
Menu

JAMB Chemistry 1985 Question 37

Question 37

Hydrocarbons

An organic compound decolorized acidified KMnO4 solution but failed to react with ammoniacal silver nitrate solution. The organic compound is likely to be

  1. A.a carboxylic acid
  2. B.an alkane
  3. C.an alkene
  4. D.an alkyne
  5. E.an alkanone
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (an alkene)

Explanation

Decolourising KMnO4 shows a C=C or C≡C bond. Alkynes like ethyne give a precipitate with ammoniacal silver nitrate, alkenes do not, so it is an alkene.