Question

Match the following: List I 1\. Formalin 2\. Trioxane 3\. Ketene 4\. Metaldehyde List II (i) Trimer of \(\mathrm{HCHO}\) (ii) Compounds of the general formula, \(\mathrm{R}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O}\) (iii) A tetramer of acetaldehyde (iv) \(40 \%\) aqueous solution of \(\mathrm{HCHO}\) The correct matching is: 1 2 3 4 (a) (iv) (ii) (i) (iii) (b) (i) (iv) (iii) (ii) (c) (i) (iv) (ii) (ii) (d) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii)

Short answer

The correct option is (d).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding List I

List I provides us with a set of compounds: 1. Formalin, 2. Trioxane, 3. Ketene, 4. Metaldehyde. Each of these corresponds to a specific characteristic or type of chemical structure listed in List II.

Understanding List II

List II contains the descriptions which match the compounds from List I: (i) Trimer of \(\mathrm{HCHO}\), (ii) Compounds of the general formula, \(\mathrm{R}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O}\), (iii) A tetramer of acetaldehyde, (iv) \(40 \%\) aqueous solution of \(\mathrm{HCHO}\). Our task is to match each compound to its appropriate description.

Match Formalin

Formalin is known as a \(40 \%\) aqueous solution of formaldehyde (\(\mathrm{HCHO}\)). Therefore, Formalin corresponds to (iv) \(40 \%\) aqueous solution of \(\mathrm{HCHO}\).

Match Trioxane

Trioxane is a cyclic trimer of formaldehyde (\(\mathrm{HCHO}\)). Therefore, Trioxane corresponds to (i) Trimer of \(\mathrm{HCHO}\).

Match Ketene

Ketene usually refers to compounds of the general formula \(\mathrm{R}_{2}\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O}\). Therefore, Ketene corresponds to (ii) Compounds of the general formula, \(\mathrm{R}_{2}\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{O}\).

Match Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde is known as a tetramer of acetaldehyde. Therefore, Metaldehyde corresponds to (iii) A tetramer of acetaldehyde.

Select Correct Option

From the matches: 1-iv, 2-i, 3-ii, 4-iii, we can see that the correct option is (d): (iv) (i) (ii) (iii).

Key concepts

Formalin

Formalin is a solution that consists of formaldehyde dissolved in water, typically in a concentration of 40%. It’s primarily known for its preservative and disinfectant properties. Because formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, diluting it in water helps stabilize the compound for practical use. This mixture is commonly used in various applications such as in embalming to preserve bodies and in laboratories for preserving specimens. Additionally, formalin serves as a critical agent in manufacturing resins and other industrial products.

• Formalin is a 40% solution of formaldehyde in water.
• Widely used for preservation due to its antiseptic properties.
• Essential in industrial applications like resin production.

Understanding Formalin is crucial since it demonstrates how a gas can be rendered into a usable liquid form, beneficial both in scientific settings and everyday life.

Trioxane

Trioxane is a fascinating compound, known as the trimer of formaldehyde (\(\mathrm{HCHO}\)). This means it is formed by three formaldehyde molecules linking in a cyclic manner. It solidifies at room temperatures to appear as a white crystalline substance and has practical applications in modeling compounds and as an intermediate in polymer production. Moreover, trioxane often serves as a platform for valuable chemical reactions, contributing significantly to synthetic chemistry.

• Trioxane is a cyclic trimer of formaldehyde.
• Appears as a white crystalline solid at room temperature.
• Used in synthesizing chemicals and creating polymers.

Grasping the concept of trioxane allows us to appreciate how simple gas molecules can transform into solid forms with new functionalities.

Ketene

Ketene describes a group of compounds characterized by the general formula \(\mathrm{R}_2\mathrm{C} = \mathrm{C} = \mathrm{O}\). These are reactive substances used primarily in the field of organic chemistry. The most basic form of ketene is a colorless gas with a sharp odor, easily able to polymerize if not used immediately. Ketene compounds are valuable in the synthesis of acetic anhydride, which is necessary for producing acetate-based polymers and various synthetic pathways.

• Ketene compounds have the formula \(\mathrm{R}_2\mathrm{C} = \mathrm{C} = \mathrm{O}\)
• Reactive, often used in organic synthesis.
• Key in acetic anhydride production and polymer creation.

Understanding ketene and its derivatives unveils a broad spectrum of chemical reactions that drive both industrial and lab-grade processes.

Metaldehyde

Metaldehyde is recognized as a tetramer of acetaldehyde, meaning it consists of four acetaldehyde molecules joined together. This compound is solid under ambient conditions, forming crystalline structures. Metaldehyde has notable use as a molluscicide, particularly effective against slugs and snails in agricultural settings. Furthermore, it is sometimes utilized in portable cooking systems and fire starter kits because of its ability to burn efficiently.

• Metaldehyde comprises four linked acetaldehyde molecules.
• Exists as crystalline solid and used as a slug and snail deterrent.
• Serves in cooking systems due to its burn properties.

Learning about metaldehyde showcases the transformation of a simple building block like acetaldehyde into a crucial compound with diverse applications.