Acarbon compound x turns blue litmus to red and has a molecular formula c2h4o2.identify x and draw its structure. write a chemical equation for the reaction and name of the product formed in each case when x reacts with a. ethanol in the presence of conc. h2so4 ( b. sodium carbonate

X is acetic acid or CH3COOH Acetic acid belongs to the homologous series; alkanoic acids; which are group of weak acids. They react with alkanols or alcohols to form esters or what we call alkyl alkanoates in presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. Additionally, they react with carbonates to yield a salt, water and carbon dioxide gas.
(a) Acetic acid reacts with ethanol to form ester in presence of concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) CH3COOH + C2H5OH > CH3COOC2H5 + H2O Product formed is Ethyl ethanoate or ethyl acetate.

(b) The reaction will be; Na2CO3 + 2CH3COOH > 2CH3COONa + H2O + CO2 Effervescence will be observed due to the production of Carbon dioxide gas.