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WAEC Chemistry 2011 Paper

Question : 42

Total: 46

Solution:

Concept:

Ethanol in palm wine is oxidized by air into a sour-tasting acid.

Explanation:

Fresh palm wine contains ethanol,

\mathrm{C_2H_5OH}

When exposed to air, ethanol undergoes oxidation.

The oxidation reaction forms ethanoic acid:

\mathrm{2C_2H_5OH + O_2 \xrightarrow{\text{oxidation}} 2CH_3COOH + 2H_2O}

Ethanoic acid,

\mathrm{CH_3COOH}

, has a sharp, sour taste.

Therefore, it is this acid that makes palm wine taste sour after a few days.

Answer:

B. ethanoic acid

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