An organic compound 'X' has the molecular formula `C_(2)H_(4)O_(2)`. It has a pleasant smell. It does not turn blue litmus red nor does it give any effervescence with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. Predict the compound. Give its structural formula as well as IUPAC name.

Explanation

Two different structural formulae are possible for the compound 'X' with molecular formula `C_(2)H_(4)O_(2)`. These are known as functional isomers annd may be written as:
`underset(("Structure I"))(H_(3)C-overset(O)overset(||)(C)-OH)" and "underset(("Structure II"))(H-overset(O)overset(||)(C)-OCH_(3))`
Structure I is that of a carboxylic acid, ethanoic acid. Since the compound 'X' does not turn blue litmus red and also does not give effervescence with `NaHCO_(3)` solution, it cannot be an acid.
As the compound has a pleasant smell, it seems to be an ester with structure II. Please note that the esters have pleasant smell. the IUPAC name of the compound is methyl methanoate.