When alcohols react with carboxylix acids in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid, compounds with fruity smell called edters are formed. Also, alcohols on oxidation in the presence of acidified `K_(2)Cr_(2)O_(7)` form carboxylic acids.
`C_(2)H_(5)OH` on oxidation with acidified `K_(2)Cr_(2)O_(7)` gives `CH_(3)COOH`.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding these two compounds?
I. Ther both react with sodium metal to evolve a combustible gas.
II. They both react with `NaHCO_(3)` to evolve a gas which turns lime water milky.
III. They both turn blue litmus red.

Options

A. I and II only
B. II only
C. I only
D. I, II and II

Explanation

To determine the correctness of the statements regarding the compounds \( C_2H_5OH \) (ethanol) and \( CH_3COOH \) (acetic acid), we will analyze each statement step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze Statement I
**Statement I:** Both react with sodium metal to evolve a combustible gas.

- **Ethanol Reaction:** When ethanol (\( C_2H_5OH \)) reacts with sodium metal, it forms sodium ethoxide (\( C_2H_5ONa \)) and hydrogen gas (\( H_2 \)):
\[ 2 C_2H_5OH + 2 Na \rightarrow 2 C_2H_5ONa + H_2 \uparrow \]
Here, hydrogen gas is the combustible gas evolved.

- **Acetic Acid Reaction:** Similarly, when acetic acid (\( CH_3COOH \)) reacts with sodium metal, it also produces sodium acetate (\( CH_3COONa \)) and hydrogen gas:
\[ 2 CH_3COOH + 2 Na \rightarrow 2 CH_3COONa + H_2 \uparrow \]

**Conclusion for Statement I:** This statement is **true** because both ethanol and acetic acid react with sodium to produce hydrogen gas.

### Step 2: Analyze Statement II
**Statement II:** They both react with \( NaHCO_3 \) to evolve a gas which turns lime water milky.

- **Ethanol Reaction:** Ethanol does not react with sodium bicarbonate (\( NaHCO_3 \)). Therefore, no gas is evolved, and thus it cannot turn lime water milky.

- **Acetic Acid Reaction:** Acetic acid, on the other hand, reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)):
\[ CH_3COOH + NaHCO_3 \rightarrow CH_3COONa + H_2O + CO_2 \uparrow \]
The \( CO_2 \) gas evolved will turn lime water milky.

**Conclusion for Statement II:** This statement is **false** because only acetic acid reacts with \( NaHCO_3 \) to produce \( CO_2 \), while ethanol does not.

### Step 3: Analyze Statement III
**Statement III:** They both turn blue litmus red.

- **Ethanol:** Ethanol is a neutral compound and does not affect litmus paper. Therefore, it does not turn blue litmus red.

- **Acetic Acid:** Acetic acid is an acidic compound and will turn blue litmus paper red.

**Conclusion for Statement III:** This statement is **false** because only acetic acid turns blue litmus red, while ethanol does not.

### Final Conclusion
- **Statement I:** True
- **Statement II:** False
- **Statement III:** False

### Summary of Correct Statements
Only **Statement I** is correct regarding the two compounds.