An organic compound, X, will react with an excess of calcium metal to produce a salt with the
empirical formula CaC4H6O4.
What could be the identity of X?
1 ethanoic acid
2 butanedioic acid
3 methylpropanedioic acid
With explanation please!
I'm sure you already took the examination, however for other people who are looking for answers!
Hint: Ca has oxidation state +2
To determine the identity of X, we need to analyze the empirical formula of the salt formed when X reacts with calcium metal, which is CaC4H6O4.
Looking at the empirical formula, we can see that the salt contains one calcium ion (Ca2+) and one carbonate ion (C4H6O4). The carbonate ion is a combination of carbon (C) and oxygen (O) atoms.
Now, let's consider the options provided:
1. Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is a compound that contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. However, it does not have the same ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms as indicated in the empirical formula. So, ethanoic acid is not a likely candidate.
2. Butanedioic acid (HOOCCH2CH2COOH), also known as succinic acid, is a dicarboxylic acid that contains four carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen atoms. It matches the ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms shown in the empirical formula. Therefore, butanedioic acid is a possible identity for X.
3. Methylpropanedioic acid (HOOC-CH2-COOH), also known as malonic acid, is another dicarboxylic acid. It contains a central carbon atom with two carboxyl groups attached to it. The formula indicates four carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen atoms, which matches the empirical formula. Hence, methylpropanedioic acid is also a potential identity for X.
Considering both options, both butanedioic acid and methylpropanedioic acid match the given empirical formula. Therefore, either compound could be the identity of X.
To determine the identity of X, we need to analyze the empirical formula of the salt that is formed when organic compound X reacts with calcium.
The empirical formula of the salt is CaC4H6O4, which indicates that one calcium atom is combined with four carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen atoms.
To find a matching organic compound, we can examine the molecular formulas of the given options:
1. Ethanoic acid (also known as acetic acid) has the molecular formula C2H4O2.
2. Butanedioic acid (also known as succinic acid) has the molecular formula C4H6O4.
3. Methylpropanedioic acid (also known as malonic acid) has the molecular formula C5H6O4.
Comparing the molecular formulas to the empirical formula CaC4H6O4, we can see that the option matching the molecular formula is option 2, butanedioic acid (C4H6O4).
Therefore, the identity of X is most likely butanedioic acid.
Note: It's important to mention that there may be other organic compounds with the same empirical formula. In this case, we selected the option with a matching molecular formula. However, additional information may be necessary for a definitive identification.