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(a) i) An organic compound X contains 40% carbon, 6.67% hydrogen, the rest being ...

(a) i) An organic compound X contains 40% carbon, 6.67% hydrogen, the rest being oxygen. If X has a relative molecular mass of 60, determine its
(i) empirical formula (ii) molecular formula. [H = 1 ; C = 12; O = 16]

(b) An alkanoic acid Y has a relative molecular mass of 74.
(i) State the functional group of Y
(ii) What t of reaction is involved when Y is converted to an alkanoate?
(iii) Determine the structural formula of Y.
(iv) Write an equation for the reaction between Y and sodium
(v) If X in (a) above boils at 118°C and belongs to the same homologous series as Y, state with reason, whether the boiling point of Y will be equal to, higher or lower than 118°C.

(c)(i) What is fermentation?
(ii) Write an equation for the fermentation of glucose.
(iii) What must be added to glucose solution to make it ferment?
(iv) Explain why a tightly corked grass bottle filled to the brim with fresh palm wine shatters on standing.
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    Correct Answer: Option n
    Explanation:

    (a)(i) X contains 40% carbon, 6.67% hydrogen, the rest being oxygen. To determine the emperical formula of X
    (i) Percentage oxygen = 100 – (40 + 6.67) = 53.33%
    C : H O
    40 6.67 53.33
    12 1 16
    3.33 6.67 3.33
    1 2 1
    Ratio
    Empirical formula is CH\(_2\)O
    (ii) Molecular formula of X if its relative molecular mass is 60. (CH\(_2\)O)\(_n\) = 60;
    (12 + 2 + 16)\(_n\) = 60 ;
    30n = 60 ; n = 2
    Molecular formula is C\(_4\)H\(_4\)O\(_2\)

    (b) Y is an alkanoic acid with relative molecular mass is 74.
    (i) The functional group in Y is –COOH/carboxyl group.
    (ii) Esterification reaction
    (iii) If Y is represented by C\(_n\)H\(_{2n+1}\)COOH; then 14n + 46 = 74, giving n = 2


    (iv) 2C\(_2\)H\(_5\)COOH + 2Na –> 2C\(_2\)H\(_5\)COONa + H\(_2\).
    (v) Compound Y in the same homologous series as X has a CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)COOH relative molecular mass of 74. The boiling point of Y will be N higher. than 118° because in a homologous series boiling OH point increases with increase molar mass.

    (c)(i) Fermentation is the breakdown of carbohydrates (sugars) to iorm ethanol (alcohol) and CO\(^2\) by the action of enzymes.
    (iii) Yeast is adOed to glucose solution to make glucose ferment.
    (iv) A tightly caked glass bottle filled to the brim with fresh palm wine shatters.on standing because CO\(^2\) is produced as the palm wine ferments. The gas causes pressure build-up which causes the bottle to shatter.

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