Question

A compound $A$ has a molecular formula $C_2 Cl_3 OH$ . It reduces Fehling's solution and on oxidation, gives a monocarboxylic acid $B$. $A$ can be obtained by the action of chlorine on ethyl alcohol. $A$

• A. chloroform
• B. chloral
• C. methyl chloride
• D. monochloro acetic acid

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

chloral

Answer 2

Molecular formula of $A= C _{2} Cl _{3} OH$

As $(A)$ reduces Fehling's solution and on oxidation gives a monocarboxylic acid $(B)$. It means $(A)$ must be an aldehyde.

$CCl_3\,\underset{(A)}{CHO}$

This is further confirmed by the reaction

$C_2H_5OH+Cl_2 { ->[{[o]}][{\text{oxidation}}] } CH_3CHO\, { ->[{Cl_2}][{\text{chorination}}] }CCl_3CHO$

A= Chloral $[CCl_3 CHO]$