CHAPTER 4 - CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS
1. Which of the following statements are correct for carbon compounds? (Exemplar)
(i) Most carbon compounds are good conductors of electricity.
(ii) Most carbon compounds are poor conductors of electricity.
(iii) Force of attraction between molecules of carbon compounds is not very strong.
(iv) Force of attraction between molecules of carbon compounds is very strong.
(a) (ii) and (iv) b) (ii) and (iii) c) (i) and (iv) d) (i) and (iii)
Explanation:
(ii) Most carbon compounds are poor conductors of electricity:
Carbon compounds form covalent bonds, meaning they share electrons rather than
transferring them completely, which results in the absence of free ions needed for electrical
conductivity.
(iii) Force of attraction between molecules of carbon compounds is not very strong:
Due to the covalent nature of carbon bonds, the intermolecular forces (forces of attraction
between molecules) in carbon compounds are relatively weak compared to the strong ionic bonds
in some other compounds.
2. The number of isomers of pentane is
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5
Explanation: n-pentane, iso-pentane, neo-pentane
3. Number of electrons shared between carbon atoms in ethane is
a) 4 b) 6 c) 8 d) 2
Explanation: Ethane (C2H6) has a single covalent bond between the two carbon atoms. A single
covalent bond involves the sharing of two electrons, one from each carbon atom. Therefore, in
ethane, two electrons are shared between the carbon atoms.
4. The general formula of cycloalkanes is
a) CnH2n+2 b) CnH2n-2 c) CnH2n-1 d) CnH2n (NDA)
5. The number of single and double bonds present in a molecule of benzene are_______
(a) 6 and 6 (b) 3 and 3 (c) 3 and 9 d) 9 and 3 (Board question)
6. Carbon exists in the atmosphere in the form of
(a) carbon monoxide only (b) carbon monoxide in traces and carbon dioxide
(c) carbon dioxide only (d) coal
7. A molecule of ammonia NH3 has
(a) only single bonds (b) only double bonds
(c) only triple bonds (d) two double bonds and one single bond
Explanation:
8. Which of the following are correct structural isomers of butane?
(a) i and iii (b) ii and iv (c) i and ii (d) iii and iv
Explanation: compound I and compound ii have the same formula C4H10
9. Neopentane and Isopentane are (NTSE)
a. Allotropes b. Isobars c. Isomers d. Homologues
10. What type of reaction occurs between ethane and hydrogen? (NTSE)
a. Addition b. Dehydration c. Substitution d. Oxidation
Explanation: Ethane is a saturated hydrocarbon with all single bonds between carbon atoms,
meaning it has no double or triple bonds where additional atoms can be added. When reacting with
hydrogen, a hydrogen atom can replace one of the existing hydrogen atoms on ethane, resulting in a
substituted molecule.
11. The soap can be hardened by (NDA)
a. Adding sodium carbonate or sodium silicate during its manufacture
b. Adding sodium chloride
c. Adding potassium hydroxide
d. Adding animal fat and coconut oil
Explanation: Sodium carbonate and sodium silicate help precipitate the soap out of the solution,
making it firmer and more solid, which is what hardens the soap.
12. The most stable form of carbon is (NDA)
a. Diamond b. Graphite c. Fullerene d. Coal
Explanation: While diamond is often perceived as strong and durable, graphite is thermodynamically
more stable at standard conditions due to its layered structure, allowing carbon atoms to be more
loosely bonded together.
13. Which of the following statement is correct? (NTSE)
a. Fullerenes have only six membered carbon rings
b. Fullerenes have cage like molecules
c. Diamond is thermodynamically the most stable allotrope of carbon
d. Graphite is slippery and hard and is therefore used as a dry lubricant in
Explanation: Fullerene molecules are characterized by their closed-cage structure, consisting of
interconnected carbon rings that form a spherical or tubular shape.
[Link] reacts with sodium and forms two products. These are
(a) sodium ethanoate and hydrogen (b) sodium ethanoate and oxygen
(c) sodium ethoxide and hydrogen (d) sodium ethoxide and oxygen
Explanation:
[Link] formula of benzene (C6H6) is
(a) option1 (b) option2 (c) option3 (d) option4
[Link] reacts with saturated hydrocarbons at room temperature in the
(a) absence of sunlight (b) presence of sunlight
(c) presence of water (d) presence of hydrochloric acid
Explanation: This reaction is called a photochemical reaction, meaning it requires sunlight to initiate
the process. Sunlight provides the energy needed to break the chlorine molecule apart, allowing it to
react with the saturated hydrocarbon.
17. (a) Identify all the compounds that are the first members of their respective
homologous series.
(b) Which of the above compounds are likely to undergo non-catalytic hydrogenation reaction?
(c) Which TWO compounds will combine to form an ester? Justify with an equation for the
reaction. (Competency based questions)
[Link] molecular formulae of three carbon compounds are: CH2O, C2H4O, C3H6O
(a) Identify the compound that can exist as two isomers having different functional groups.
(b) Write the structures of the two isomers. (CBQ)
The compound C₃H₆O is the one that can exist as two isomers with different functional
groups: propanal (an aldehyde) and propanone (a ketone).
(a) The compound is C₃H₆O .
(b) The structures of the two isomers are:
Propanal (an aldehyde): CH₃CHO
Propanone (a ketone): CH₃COCH₃
[Link] compounds undergo combustion in oxygen to give carbon dioxide along with heat and
light. The same number of molecules of each of the following carbon compounds undergo complete
combustion.
P) CH3COOH Q) CH3CH2COOH R) CH3CH=CH2 S) CH3CH2CH2OH
Which of them will produce the same amount of carbon dioxide?
A. Only P and Q
B. Only Q and S
C. Only P, Q and R
D. Only Q, R and S (Competency based)
Explanation: Combustion of carbon compounds involves burning them in oxygen to produce carbon
dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The number of CO2 molecules produced depends on the number of
carbon atoms in the original compound. Each carbon atom in the compound yields one molecule of
CO2 during complete combustion.
P) CH3COOH (acetic acid): Has 2 carbon atoms, so it will produce 2 CO2 molecules.
Q) CH3CH2COOH (propanoic acid): Has 3 carbon atoms, so it will produce 3 CO2 molecules.
R) CH3CH=CH2 (propene): Has 3 carbon atoms, so it will produce 3 CO2 molecules.
S) CH3CH2CH2OH (propanol): Has 3 carbon atoms, so it will produce 3 CO2 molecules.
Therefore, compounds Q, R, and S will all produce the same amount of CO2 when completely
combusted.
[Link] analysis of compound X revealed the ratio of its elements in a molecule to be carbon:
hydrogen: oxygen: [Link]. The compound undergoes esterification to yield an ester and water.
(a) Identify the compound X. Write its chemical formula.
(b) Write the balanced equation for the combustion of compound X.
[Link] of oxygen with carbon and with hydrogen are highly exothermic processes. Compare the
amount of energy released on combustion of methane and propane.
(a) Which compound will yield more energy per mole on combustion? Justify your answer.
(b) Write the balanced chemical equations for complete combustion of propane
and methane. (Competency based)
[Link] mole of an alkane P is burned in an excess of oxygen to yield 6 moles of carbon dioxide and
14 moles of water.
(a) Write the chemical formula and chemical name of the compound.
(b) Will this compound produce a clear or sooty flame on burning? Justify your answer. (CBQ)
[Link] molecular formulae of two alkynes A and B are CXH2 and C3HY. Find the values of X and
Y. Write The names of X and Y. (NDA)
25. An unsaturated hydrocarbon P has the chemical formula C4H6
a) Write the two possible structural formulae for hydrocarbon P.
b) Write the reaction conditions to convert 1-butanol CH3-CH2-CH2- CH2OH to hydrocarbon P.
c)Write the general formula the homologous series of hydrocarbon P.
[Link] process of fermentation involves the conversion of sugars to alcohol by: (NTSE)
a) Oxidation b) Reduction c) Hydrolysis d) Esterification
Explanation: Fermentation is a biological process where sugar is converted into alcohol and carbon
dioxide by the action of yeast or bacteria in the absence of oxygen. This process is considered a
reduction reaction because the sugar molecule gains hydrogen atoms during the conversion to
alcohol.
27. In the hydrocarbon C2H2, the covalency of carbon is (NTSE)
a. One b. Two c. Three d. Four
Explanation: Carbon has four valence electrons in its outermost shell, and it needs to form four
covalent bonds to achieve a stable octet configuration. In C2H2, each carbon atom forms a triple bond
with the other carbon atom and a single bond with one hydrogen atom, resulting in a total of four
covalent bonds per carbon atom.
[Link] of the following are isomers? (NTSE)
a. Ethane and propane b. Ethane and ethane
c. Ethane and ethyne d. Butane and isobutene
Explanation: Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural
arrangements of atoms. Butane and isobutane both have the molecular formula C4H10, but they differ
in how their carbon atoms are connected, making them isomers.
[Link] is a solution of
(a) 50%-60% acetic acid in alcohol (b) 5%-8% acetic acid in alcohol
(c) 5%-8% acetic acid in water (d) 50%-60% acetic acid in water
Vinegar is known to be a dilute solution of acetic acid in water. The concentration of acetic
acid typically ranges from 5% to 8%.
30. Given below is a four carbon skeleton of a hydrocarbon compound.
(a) Fill in the hydrogen atoms/bonds to form
(i) a saturated hydrocarbon
(ii) an unsaturated hydrocarbon
b) If the four-carbon skeleton is of a straight chained alkene, draw the structures of all the possible
compounds.
H3C - CH2 - CH = CH2 H3C - CH2 = CH - CH3
31. If the four-carbon skeleton is of a straight chained alkyne:
(i) How many carbon atoms may NOT be bonded to any hydrogen atoms?
one or two
(ii) How many hydrogen atoms will there be in the compound?
Six
[Link] of the following substance is added to denatured alcohol?
a) Methanol b) Pyridine c) Copper sulphate d) All of these
Explanation: Denatured alcohol is ethanol that has been made unfit for consumption by adding toxic
or unpleasant substances. Several chemicals are commonly used for denaturation, including
methanol, pyridine, and copper sulfate.
Methanol: This is the most common denaturant. It is highly toxic and gives denatured alcohol a
bitter taste.
Pyridine: This substance adds a foul smell to the alcohol, further discouraging consumption.
Copper sulfate: While not as common as methanol or pyridine, copper sulfate can also be used as
a denaturant. It serves the purpose of coloring the denatured alcohol, making it visually distinct
from pure ethanol.
[Link] of the following salt when dissolved in water produce hard water?
a) Calcium sulphate b) Magnesium bi carbonate c) Calcium chloride d) any of the above
Explanation: Hard water is caused by the presence of dissolved salts of calcium and magnesium,
primarily in the form of sulphates, chlorides, and bicarbonates.
Calcium sulphate: This is a common contributor to hard water.
Magnesium bicarbonate: While the "bicarbonate" part might suggest temporary hardness, the
presence of magnesium makes it a contributor to overall hard water.
Calcium chloride: This salt also directly contributes to hard water due to its calcium content.
Therefore, all three options listed (calcium sulphate, magnesium bicarbonate, and calcium chloride)
contribute to hard water when dissolved in water.
34.A Saturated organic compound A with two carbon atoms belongs to the homologous series if
alcohols. On oxidation, it forms an organic acid B with molecular mass [Link] heating A with excess
concentrated sulphuric acid at 443 K an unsaturated hydrocarbon C is formed. (CBSE BOARD)
i) Name A, B and C
ii) Calculate molecular mass of C
iii) What happens when a pinch of sodium carbonate is added to compound B? Write chemical
equation for the reaction.
iv) Draw electron dot structure of compound B.
Ethanoic acid (acetic acid), CH3COOH
[Link] the chemical equation for the following (CBSE Board)
a) Ethanol undergoes complete oxidation
b) Propene undergoes hydrogenation
c) Ethanoic acid reacts with alcohol
36.C2H5O- is the incomplete formula to which an atom of hydrogen can be
a) Added to obtain compound A
b) Removed to obtain compound B.
c) Write the structural formula for the Compound A and B
d) Write the lUPAC names for the compound A and B.
e) Identify the functional groups of compound A and B
f) With conditions Write the equation for the oxidation of compound A in the presence of an oxidizing
agent.
36. X and Y are the two isomers of a compound with molecular formula C 6H12.
a) Write the structural for of both the isomers
b) Which of the isomers will undergo addition reaction? Why?
c) How many covalent bonds are there in C6H12?
For the molecular formula C₆H₁₂, two isomers are a cyclic alkane, cyclohexane (X), and an
acyclic alkene, 1-hexene (Y). 1-Hexene undergoes addition reactions due to its double bond, while
cyclohexane does not. The total number of covalent bonds in C₆H₁₂ is 17 (one for each carbon-carbon
single bond, two for the carbon-carbon double bond, and three for each hydrogen-carbon single
bond).
[Link] process of fermentation involves the conversion of sugars to alcohol by: (NTSE)
a) Oxidation b) Reduction c) Hydrolysis d) Esterification
Explanation: Fermentation is a biological process where microorganisms like yeast convert sugars
(like glucose) into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide under anaerobic conditions (without
oxygen). During this process, the sugar molecule is "reduced" by gaining electrons and hydrogen
atoms to form alcohol.
38. 3ml of ethanol is taken in a test tube and warmed gently in a water bath. A 5% solution of alkaline
potassium permanganate is added first drop by drop to this solution, then in excess.
a. How is 5% solution of KMnO4 prepared?
b. State the role of alkaline potassium permanganate in this reaction. What happens on adding it in
excess?
c. Write the chemical equation of this reaction.
39. What is the action of litmus on ethanol? (NDA)
a. Litmus is neutral towards ethanol
b. Ethanol turns blue litmus red; confirming acidic nature of ethanol
c. Ethanol Turns to blue; confirming basic nature of ethanol
d. Ethanol decolourises litmus through bleaching action
Explanation: Ethanol is considered a neutral substance. Therefore, when litmus paper is introduced
to ethanol, no color change is observed. Neither blue litmus paper nor red litmus paper changes color,
indicating that ethanol is neither acidic nor basic enough to affect the litmus indicator.
[Link] is methane? Draw its electron dot structure. Name the type of bonds formed in this
compound. Why are such compounds
a. Poor conductors of electricity?
b. Have a low melting and boiling point?
c. What happens when this compound burns in oxygen?
What is methane?
Methane (CH4) is a simple hydrocarbon consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four
hydrogen atoms, forming covalent bonds.
Draw its electron dot structure (Methane).
Name the type of bonds formed in this compound.
Covalent bonds: The bonds in methane are formed by sharing electrons between the carbon and
hydrogen atoms.
Why are such compounds
a. Poor conductors of electricity?
No free electrons: Covalent bonds hold the electrons tightly between the atoms, meaning
there are no free electrons available to move and conduct electricity.
b. Have a low melting and boiling point?
Weak intermolecular forces: The only forces holding methane molecules together are weak
van der Waals forces, which require very little energy to overcome, resulting in low melting
and boiling points.
c. What happens when this compound burns in oxygen?
Combustion reaction: Methane reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and
water (H2O) and release energy.
