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All questions of Carbon & its Compounds for UPSC CSE Exam

The process of converting alcohols into corresponding alkyl halides is known as:
  • a)
    Oxidation
  • b)
    Dehydration
  • c)
    Halogenation
  • d)
    Esterification
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The process of converting alcohols into corresponding alkyl halides is known as halogenation. It involves the replacement of the hydroxyl group (-OH) of an alcohol with a halogen atom (such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine).

The general formula CnH2n+2 represents which type of hydrocarbons?
  • a)
    Alkanes
  • b)
    Alkenes
  • c)
    Alkynes
  • d)
    Aromatics
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Pallabi Basu answered
Understanding Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They serve as the fundamental building blocks of various fuels and chemicals. The classification of hydrocarbons depends on their structure and the types of bonds between their carbon atoms.
Types of Hydrocarbons
- Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds. Their general formula is CnH2n+2.
- Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one double bond, represented by the formula CnH2n.
- Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one triple bond, denoted by the formula CnH2n-2.
- Aromatics: Compounds containing a benzene ring, characterized by a distinct structure and stability.
Why CnH2n+2 Represents Alkanes
The formula CnH2n+2 specifically indicates the following:
- Saturation: Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms for the given number of carbon atoms (n). This saturation is achieved through single bonds between carbon atoms.
- General Formula: The formula CnH2n+2 shows that for every n carbon atoms, there are 2n+2 hydrogen atoms. For example, when n=1 (methane), the formula yields CH4. When n=2 (ethane), it results in C2H6. This pattern continues for all alkanes.
- Examples: Methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6), and Propane (C3H8) are all alkanes that abide by the CnH2n+2 formula.
Conclusion
Therefore, the general formula CnH2n+2 uniquely identifies alkanes, distinguishing them from alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds. Understanding this classification is essential for studying organic chemistry and its applications.

Which of the following compounds is used in the manufacture of soap?
  • a)
    Ethanol
  • b)
    Glycerol
  • c)
    Sodium chloride
  • d)
    Sodium hydroxide
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used in the manufacture of soap. It is a strong base that reacts with fats and oils to produce soap through a process called saponification.

Which of the following is an example of an aromatic compound?
  • a)
    Butane
  • b)
    Ethanol
  • c)
    Toluene
  • d)
    Propene
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Toluene is an aromatic compound. Aromatic compounds are characterized by the presence of a benzene ring or a similar structure. Toluene is often used as a solvent and is an important precursor in the production of many chemicals.

Which of the following is an example of a saturated hydrocarbon?
  • a)
    Ethane
  • b)
    Ethene
  • c)
    Ethyne
  • d)
    Benzene
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ethane is an example of a saturated hydrocarbon. Saturated hydrocarbons contain only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms and are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.

Which of the following is used as a solvent for dry cleaning?
  • a)
    Water
  • b)
    Ethanol
  • c)
    Petrol
  • d)
    Coal tar
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Chloroform is commonly used as a solvent for dry cleaning. It is a volatile organic compound that can dissolve a variety of substances, making it suitable for cleaning fabrics.

Which of the following compounds is responsible for the characteristic smell of rotten eggs?
  • a)
    Methane
  • b)
    Ethanol
  • c)
    Ethanoic acid
  • d)
    Hydrogen sulfide
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is responsible for the characteristic smell of rotten eggs. It is a toxic gas produced by the decomposition of organic matter containing sulfur.

Which of the following compounds is used as a local anesthetic?
  • a)
    Benzene
  • b)
    Chloroform
  • c)
    Acetone
  • d)
    Phenol
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Chloroform is used as a local anesthetic. It is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that was commonly used in the past for medical purposes. However, due to its toxic nature, its use has significantly decreased.

Which of the following compounds is used as a refrigerant?
  • a)
    Methane
  • b)
    Ethane
  • c)
    Propane
  • d)
    Freon
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Freon is a group of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds used as refrigerants. These compounds have been widely phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer.

Which of the following elements is the basis of organic chemistry?
  • a)
    Carbon
  • b)
    Hydrogen
  • c)
    Oxygen
  • d)
    Nitrogen
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Carbon is the basis of organic chemistry. Organic compounds contain carbon atoms bonded with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, etc. This unique property of carbon allows it to form a wide variety of compounds.

Which of the following compounds is known as "wood alcohol"?
  • a)
    Methanol
  • b)
    Ethanol
  • c)
    Propanol
  • d)
    Butanol
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Methanol is commonly known as "wood alcohol." It is a colorless liquid used as a solvent, fuel, and antifreeze. It is highly toxic if ingested.

What is the functional group present in alcohols?
  • a)
    -OH (hydroxyl)
  • b)
    -COOH (carboxyl)
  • c)
    -CHO (aldehyde)
  • d)
    -NH2 (amine)
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Alcohols have the functional group -OH (hydroxyl) attached to a carbon atom. This functional group is responsible for the characteristic properties of alcohols.

What is the IUPAC name for CH3-CH2-CH2-CH3?
  • a)
    Butane
  • b)
    Ethane
  • c)
    Propane
  • d)
    Pentane
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The IUPAC name for CH3-CH2-CH2-CH3 is butane. Butane is an alkane with four carbon atoms in a continuous chain.

The process of converting vegetable oils into solid fats is called:
  • a)
    Hydrogenation
  • b)
    Esterification
  • c)
    Fermentation
  • d)
    Saponification
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The process of converting vegetable oils into solid fats is called hydrogenation. It involves the addition of hydrogen gas to unsaturated fats to make them more saturated and solid at room temperature.

Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms, resulting in the formation of:
  • a)
    Isotopes
  • b)
    Allotropes
  • c)
    Isomers
  • d)
    Polymers
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Carbon can form bonds with other carbon atoms, leading to the formation of allotropes. Allotropes are different forms of the same element with varying structural arrangements. Examples of carbon allotropes include diamond, graphite, and fullerenes.

Which of the following compounds is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant?
  • a)
    Formaldehyde
  • b)
    Acetone
  • c)
    Ethanol
  • d)
    Acetic acid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ethanol is commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It has antimicrobial properties and is effective in killing bacteria and viruses.

What is the common name for ethanoic acid?
  • a)
    Acetic acid
  • b)
    Citric acid
  • c)
    Lactic acid
  • d)
    Salicylic acid
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ethanoic acid is commonly known as acetic acid. It is a weak acid with a sour taste and a pungent smell. Acetic acid is widely used in the production of vinegar, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.

What is the molecular formula of ethene?
  • a)
    C2H4
  • b)
    C2H6
  • c)
    C3H6
  • d)
    C3H8
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ethene has the molecular formula C2H4. It is an unsaturated hydrocarbon and is commonly known as ethylene.

The process of burning hydrocarbons in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water is called:
  • a)
    Hydrolysis
  • b)
    Combustion
  • c)
    Saponification
  • d)
    Polymerization
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The process of burning hydrocarbons in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water is called combustion. It is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light.

The addition of hydrogen to an unsaturated hydrocarbon to convert it into a saturated hydrocarbon is called:
  • a)
    Polymerization
  • b)
    Esterification
  • c)
    Fermentation
  • d)
    Hydrogenation
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrogen to an unsaturated hydrocarbon, such as an alkene or alkyne, to convert it into a saturated hydrocarbon. This process is commonly used in the food industry to produce solid fats from liquid oils.

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