Which of the following compounds gives trichloromethane on distilling with bleaching powder

Options

(a) Methanal
(b) Phenol
(c) Ethanol
(d) Methanol

Correct Answer:

Ethanol

Explanation:

Alcohol is first oxidised to acetaldehyde by chlorine. [Cl₂ + H₂O → 2HCl + O]. CH₃CH₂OH + O → CH₃CHO + H₂O. (ii) Acetaldehyde then reacts with chlorine to form chloral. CH₃CHO + 3Cl₂ → CCl₃ CHO + 3HCl.(iii) Chloral, thus formed, is hydrolysed by calcium hydroxide. CCl₃CHO + Ca(OH)₂ → 2CHCl₃ + (HCOO)₂Ca.