Test: Carbon & its Compounds - UPSC MCQ

Carbon is the basis of organic chemistry. Organic compounds contain carbon atoms bonded with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, etc. This unique property of carbon allows it to form a wide variety of compounds.

Carbon can form bonds with other carbon atoms, leading to the formation of allotropes. Allotropes are different forms of the same element with varying structural arrangements. Examples of carbon allotropes include diamond, graphite, and fullerenes.

Ethane is an example of a saturated hydrocarbon. Saturated hydrocarbons contain only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms and are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.

The general formula CnH2n+2 represents alkanes. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with single covalent bonds between carbon atoms.

The process of burning hydrocarbons in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water is called combustion. It is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light.

Ethene has the molecular formula C₂H₄. It is an unsaturated hydrocarbon and is commonly known as ethylene.

Methanol is commonly known as "wood alcohol." It is a colorless liquid used as a solvent, fuel, and antifreeze. It is highly toxic if ingested.

Chloroform is used as a local anesthetic. It is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that was commonly used in the past for medical purposes. However, due to its toxic nature, its use has significantly decreased.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is responsible for the characteristic smell of rotten eggs. It is a toxic gas produced by the decomposition of organic matter containing sulfur.

The process of converting vegetable oils into solid fats is called hydrogenation. It involves the addition of hydrogen gas to unsaturated fats to make them more saturated and solid at room temperature.

Alcohols have the functional group -OH (hydroxyl) attached to a carbon atom. This functional group is responsible for the characteristic properties of alcohols.

Ethanol is commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It has antimicrobial properties and is effective in killing bacteria and viruses.

Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrogen to an unsaturated hydrocarbon, such as an alkene or alkyne, to convert it into a saturated hydrocarbon. This process is commonly used in the food industry to produce solid fats from liquid oils.

Toluene is an aromatic compound. Aromatic compounds are characterized by the presence of a benzene ring or a similar structure. Toluene is often used as a solvent and is an important precursor in the production of many chemicals.

Ethanoic acid is commonly known as acetic acid. It is a weak acid with a sour taste and a pungent smell. Acetic acid is widely used in the production of vinegar, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.

The process of converting alcohols into corresponding alkyl halides is known as halogenation. It involves the replacement of the hydroxyl group (-OH) of an alcohol with a halogen atom (such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine).

Petrol is used as a solvent in dry cleaning because it is a highly vapourising organic solvent. It makes it easier to remove stains.

Freon is a group of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds used as refrigerants. These compounds have been widely phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer.

The IUPAC name for CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃ is butane. Butane is an alkane with four carbon atoms in a continuous chain.

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used in the manufacture of soap. It is a strong base that reacts with fats and oils to produce soap through a process called saponification.