Describe the following chemical properties of carbon compounds briefly and give one chemical reaction for each:
(i) Combustion
(ii) Addition
(iii) Substitution
(iv) Esterification
(v) Oxidation
Answer
(i) Combustion:
This reaction involves burning of carbon compounds to release carbon dioxide, water and large amounts of energy in the form of heat and light. Combustion may be complete or incomplete depending upon the availability of oxygen/air
(ii) Addition:
This reaction involves the addition of hydrogen atoms over the double or triple bonds of an unsaturated hydrocarbon in the presence of a catalyst (nickel/palladium) to form saturated hydrocarbons.
(iii)Substitution:
In this reaction, an atom or a group of atoms of a compound are replaced by some other atom or group of atoms.
(iv)Esterification:
It is a reaction between an alcohol and acid to produce a sweet smelling compound called ester. It is a reversible reaction.
(v)Oxidation:
When there is an addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen in a reaction, it is known as oxidation reaction. The compounds which bring about oxidation are known as oxidizing agents.
