Question

Ethane on heating with a regulated supply of air at high pressure in presence of manganese acetate forms 'Q'. 'Q' is

• A. $ \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} $
• B. $ \text{CH}_3\text{CHO} $
• C. $ \text{HCOOH} $
• D. $ \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} $

Hint:

Manganese acetate catalyst in the oxidation of alkanes often yields carboxylic acids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The problem involves the reaction of ethane with a regulated supply of air under high pressure in the presence of manganese acetate. This reaction is an example of the controlled oxidation of ethane, where catalysts such as manganese acetate promote oxidation reactions. Let's examine the reaction:

When ethane ($\text{C}_2\text{H}_6$) is subjected to controlled oxidation, it can sequentially add oxygen to form different products. The specific conditions mentioned lead to the formation of acetic acid ($\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$) as the main product.

The chemical reaction can be simplified as follows:

$\text{C}_2\text{H}_6 + \frac{5}{2}\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{H}_2\text{O}$

This reaction shows ethane being oxidized to acetic acid. Manganese acetate acts as a catalyst to favor the production of lower molecular weight carboxylic acids, in this case, acetic acid is produced:

1. Start with ethane ($\text{C}_2\text{H}_6$).
2. In the presence of a catalyst (manganese acetate) and a regulated supply of air (oxygen), the reaction conditions create an optimal environment for oxidation.
3. The oxidation mainly yields acetic acid ($\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$) along with water ($\text{H}_2\text{O}$).

Therefore, the product 'Q' formed in this reaction is acetic acid ($\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$).