Question

Choose the correct set if ' $\mathrm{T}$ ' is true statement and ' ${\mathrm{F}}^{\prime }$ is false statement: (A) Methanol is used as solvents in paints, varnishes and for making formaldehyde. (B) In modern days, ethanol are obtained by hydration of ethene. (C) Alcohol can be denatured by mixing it with copper sulphate and pyridine. (D) Methanol is known as "Wood Spirit" which is produced by destructive distillation of wood.

Short answer

The correct set based on the analysis of the statements is: A (T), B (T), and C (F).

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing Statement A

Methanol is used as solvents in paints, varnishes and for making formaldehyde. This statement is true. Methanol is indeed used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and in the production of formaldehyde. Hence, A is "T".

Analyzing Statement B

In modern days, ethanol is obtained by hydration of ethene. This statement is also true. Nowadays, most of the ethanol production is done by industrial processes, such as the hydration of ethene, due to its economical and efficient nature. Hence, B is "T".

Analyzing Statement C

Alcohol can be denatured by mixing it with copper sulphate and pyridine. This statement is false. Alcohol is usually denatured by adding denaturing agents like methanol, pyridine or tert-Butyl alcohol to make it unsuitable for human consumption. Copper sulphate is not a common denaturing agent for alcohol. Hence, C is "F".

Analyzing Statement D

Methanol is known as "Wood Spirit," which is produced by destructive distillation of wood. This statement is true. Methanol was initially obtained through the destructive distillation of wood, hence the name "Wood Spirit." Although there are more modern methods of producing methanol today, this statement remains historically accurate. Hence, D is "T". Based on the analysis of all four statements, the correct set is A(D,T), B(D,T), and C(F).

Key concepts

Methanol uses

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is a simple alcohol with a variety of uses due to its chemical properties. It is commonly used as a solvent in paints and varnishes, owing to its ability to dissolve various compounds effectively. This makes it an essential material in industries involved in coatings and surface finishes.
Moreover, methanol is crucial in the production of formaldehyde, a key ingredient in plastics, resins, and textiles. It undergoes conversion into formaldehyde through an oxidation process and is then utilized in manufacturing processes to produce durable, composite materials.
Beyond industrial applications, methanol is also used as fuel, notably in race cars and as a component in biodiesel production. It serves as an excellent antifreeze solution in pipelines and windshield wash fluids, given its low freezing point.

Ethanol production

Ethanol is a versatile alcohol mainly produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast or by the hydration of ethene, a method preferred in industrial settings due to its efficiency. This synthetic process involves reacting ethene with water under the presence of an acid catalyst to produce ethanol.
The shift towards ethene hydration is driven by its cost-effectiveness and the ability to produce large quantities of ethanol with relatively less energy consumption. This method caters to the growing demand for ethanol as a biofuel and in various chemical industries.
However, traditional fermentation remains vital, especially in the production of beverages and for applications where organic certification is desired. Fermentation involves converting natural sugars from crops like corn or sugarcane into ethanol, often resulting in bioethanol widely used as a renewable fuel source.

Denaturation of alcohol

Denatured alcohol is essentially ethanol mixed with additives to make it unfit for consumption. This is an essential industrial technique, as it prevents the misuse of industrial-grade ethanol for drinking purposes while avoiding the imposition of taxes associated with potable alcohol. Common denaturing agents include methanol, benzene, or pyridine among others.
While the presence of copper sulfate in alcohol is not a typical denaturing method, substances like methanol are frequently used as they are potent and effective. The processes of denaturing allow products like cleaning agents, antifreeze, and fuel for camping stoves to be safely produced without risking consumption.
The parameters for alcohol denaturing vary depending on legal regulations, with each additive chosen based on its compatibility with intended non-consumable uses, making the product safe for its desired industrial application.

Destructive distillation of wood

Destructive distillation is a historical process that involves heating wood in the absence of air to decompose it into various chemical compounds. This method was predominantly used to produce methanol, hence the name "Wood Spirit." The heat breaks down the wood's chemical structure, resulting in the formation of gases, tar, charcoal, and wood alcohol.
While modern techniques have replaced destructive distillation for methanol production due to higher efficiency, understanding this process is essential in tracing the development of chemical engineering.
The by-products, such as charcoal, still hold commercial value, used in industries ranging from metallurgy to filtration systems. Despite technological advancements, the principles of destructive distillation play a foundational role in several chemical processes, emphasizing the enduring nature of traditional chemical craftsmanship.