WAEC Chemistry 2020 Objective — Question 24

Question 24 of 50 from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Chemistry 2020 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.

Which of the following compounds would release hydrogen when reacted with sodium metal? I. CH3COOH II. CH3CH2OH III. CH3COOCH3

A. I only
B. I and II onlyCorrect
C. II and III only
D. I and III only

Explanation

Acids release hydrogen when they react with metals that are above hydrogen in the electrochemical series. Thus, CH3COOH will release hydrogen. Alkanols also react with sodium to produce sodium alkoxide and liberate hydrogen gas: 2CH3COOH+2Na->2CH3COONa+H2; 2CH3CH2OH+2Na->2CH3CH2ONa+H2. CH3COOCH3 (an ester) does not react with sodium in this way.

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