Identifying unknown organic compounds

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on identifying three organic compounds: Ethanol, butanoic acid, and 3-heptyne, labeled as P, Q, and R. It is established that P is Ethanol, Q is 3-heptyne, and R is butanoic acid based on their reactions with bromine, sodium carbonate, and sodium metal. P and Q decolorized bromine, indicating the presence of double or triple bonds, while R produced bubbles with sodium carbonate, confirming its acidic nature. The reactions involved are crucial for understanding the behavior of these compounds in organic chemistry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of organic compound classification
  • Knowledge of reaction mechanisms involving bromine
  • Familiarity with acid-base reactions, particularly with sodium carbonate
  • Basic principles of gas evolution reactions with sodium metal
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mechanism of bromination in organic compounds
  • Learn about the reactions of organic acids with sodium bicarbonate
  • Research the properties and reactions of alkynes, specifically 3-heptyne
  • Explore the gas evolution reactions of metals with organic compounds
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of organic reactions and compound identification.

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Homework Statement



A chemist has three liquids (Ethanol, butanoic acid and 3-heptyne) labelled P,Q,R (in no specific order). When drops of bromine solution were added to samples of each liquid, P and Q decolorised the bromine, but R did not. When drops of sodium carbonate solution were added to fresh samples, R produced bubbles of colourless gas, but P and Q did not. When ap iece of sodium metal was added to fresh samples of the three liquids, P and R produced bubbles of gas, but Q did not.

Find P, Q, R and give equations for each of the reactions that occurred.

The Attempt at a Solution



P - Reacted with Bromine, Reacted with sodium to give gas
Q - Reacted with Bromine
R - Gave off bubbles with Na2CO3, Reacted with sodium to give gas

I'm not sure of the reaction with metallic sodium. What gas is given off when it is added to organic compounds? Also does bromine only react with the butanoic acid and heptyne because they have double/triple bonds??
 
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Shaybay92 said:
I'm not sure of the reaction with metallic sodium. What gas is given off when it is added to organic compounds?

It can react with slighly acidic protons - similarly to the reaction with water.

Also does bromine only react with the butanoic acid and heptyne because they have double/triple bonds??

Yes for heptyne, no for butyric acid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromine#Organic_chemistry

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