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When an alcohol X reacts with a carboxylic acid Y in the presence of a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, it produces a sweet smelling compound C3H7COO2H5. Identify X and Y. Write the chemical equation for this reaction?
Most Upvoted Answer
When an alcohol X reacts with a carboxylic acid Y in the presence of a...
Identification of X and Y
The sweet smelling compound C3H7COO2H5 is an ester. The general formula for an ester is RCOOR', where R and R' are alkyl groups. Based on the given compound, X is an alcohol with the formula C3H7OH, and Y is a carboxylic acid with the formula CH3COOH.

Chemical Equation
The chemical equation for the reaction can be written as follows:
C3H7OH + CH3COOH → C3H7COOCH3 + H2O

Explanation of the Reaction
The reaction between alcohol X and carboxylic acid Y is an esterification reaction. In the presence of a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, the alcohol and carboxylic acid undergo a condensation reaction to form an ester and water. The concentrated sulphuric acid acts as a catalyst, which speeds up the reaction by protonating the carboxylic acid and alcohol, making them more reactive.

In this specific reaction, the alcohol X is propanol (C3H7OH), and the carboxylic acid Y is acetic acid (CH3COOH). The product formed is methyl propanoate (C3H7COOCH3), which has a sweet fruity odor.

Overall, the reaction between alcohol and carboxylic acid to form an ester is an important process in organic chemistry. Esters are widely used in the fragrance and flavor industry due to their pleasant odor and taste.
Community Answer
When an alcohol X reacts with a carboxylic acid Y in the presence of a...
When ethanol is reacted with ethanoic acid in the presence of sulphiric acid then a sweet smelling compound is formed that is called ester which is used in making perfumes .Hence the substance X is ethanol. and Y is ethanoic acid .
The chemical reaction is as follows
. H2SO4
C2H5OH + CH3COOH - CH3COOC2H5OH+H2O

This process of formation of esters is called esterification.
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When an alcohol X reacts with a carboxylic acid Y in the presence of a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, it produces a sweet smelling compound C3H7COO2H5. Identify X and Y. Write the chemical equation for this reaction?
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When an alcohol X reacts with a carboxylic acid Y in the presence of a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, it produces a sweet smelling compound C3H7COO2H5. Identify X and Y. Write the chemical equation for this reaction? for Class 10 2024 is part of Class 10 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 10 exam syllabus. Information about When an alcohol X reacts with a carboxylic acid Y in the presence of a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, it produces a sweet smelling compound C3H7COO2H5. Identify X and Y. Write the chemical equation for this reaction? covers all topics & solutions for Class 10 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for When an alcohol X reacts with a carboxylic acid Y in the presence of a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, it produces a sweet smelling compound C3H7COO2H5. Identify X and Y. Write the chemical equation for this reaction?.
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