An organic compound 'A' is widely used as a preservative in pickles and has a molecular formula `C_(2)H_(4)O_(2)`. The compound reacts with ethanol in presence of an acid to form a sweet smelling
compound 'B'
(a) identify the compound 'A'
(b) Write the chemical equation for its reaction with ethanol to form compound 'B'
(c) How can you get 'A' back from 'B'?
(d) Name the process and write the corresponding chemiacl equation.
(e) Which gas is produced when compound 'A' reacts with washing soda? Write the chemical equation.

Explanation

(a) The compound 'A' with molecular formula `C_(2)H_(4)O_(2)` is ethanoic acid and it is used as preservative in pickles.
(b) The sweet smelling compound 'B' is an ester called ethanoic ethanoate.

(c) The co9mpound 'B' can be converted to 'A' by reacting with a dilute solution of HCl.
(d) the process is known as ester hydrolysis.
`CH_(3)COOC_(2)H_(5)+H_(2)Ooverset(H^(+))tounderset((A))(CH_(3)COOH)+C_(2)H_(5)OH`
(e) `CO_(2)` gas is produced when compound (A) reacts with washing soda i.e., sodium carbonate.
`underset((A))(2CH_(3)COOH)+Na_(2)CO_(3)to2CH_(3)COONa+H_(2)O+CO_(2)`