Question

Sodium acetate reacts with acetyl chloride to form:
A. Acetone
B. Acetic anhydride
C. Sodium formate
D. Acetic acid

Answer 1

Hint: Acetyl chloride belongs to the class of acyl chloride that we get from acetic acid. Acetyl chloride also belongs to the group of acid halides. It has no colour. It is a liquid of volatile nature. And it is a corrosive substance. Acetyl chloride also belongs to the group of acid halides. It has no colour. It is a liquid of volatile nature. And it is a corrosive substance.

Complete step by step answer:
Let's first draw the structure of acetyl chloride.

Image: Acetyl chloride
Sodium acetate is an organic compound that is a derivative of carboxylic acid. In sodium acetate, the H atom of OH group of a carboxylic group is replaced by a sodium atom. The formula of sodium acetate is,\[{\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{3}}}{\rm{COONa}}\] .

Now, we have to understand the reaction of sodium acetate and acetyl chloride. When sodium acetate undergoes a reaction with acetyl chloride, the formation of acetic anhydride takes place. In this reaction, a molecule of Sodium chloride (NaCl) is extracted. The chemical reaction is as follows:


Image: Formation of acetic anhydride due to the reaction of sodium acetate and acetyl chloride


Hence, the product formed due to the reaction of acetyl chloride and sodium acetate is acetic anhydride.

 Note: Acetic anhydride is a liquid of no colour possessing a sharp odour. It is useful in the manufacture of drugs, dyes, perfumes etc. It is extremely corrosive in nature. It becomes dangerous when it comes in contact. So, it is banned by the authorities.