Question

Destructive distillation of wood in the laboratory will result in the formation of:
A. Ethanol
B. Methane
C. Methanol
D. Butane

Answer 1

Hint: Destructive distillation is a decomposition of unprocessed things which is done at a very high temperature and byproducts are released during the decomposition. The decomposition process is used in the application of pyrolysis.

Complete step by step answer:
Destructive distillation is defined as a chemical process where decomposition of unprocessed things is done by heating at a very high temperature. This process is done in absence of air or very less quantity of air with the pressure of other reagents, solvents. This process is used in the application of pyrolysis. This process helps to break large materials in a smaller form. This process is used in the production of coke, ammonia liquor and coal gas.
When there is a destructive distillation of inorganic compounds, it produces a small range of products, whereas when there is a destructive distillation of organic compounds, it produces a large range of compounds.
Destructive distillation of wood in the laboratory will result in the formation of methanol.

Hence, the correct option is (C), that is, methanol. It is produced as a byproduct in the destructive distillation of wood.

Additional information:
The decomposition of wood at a very temperature in the absence of air results in the production of gases. In destructive distillation, it yields up to $32-38%$ charcoal, $16.5-18%$ gaseous products and \[46-50%\] liquid products.

Note: 1.Destructive distillation has several applications such as, it is used to obtain methanol and turpentine from wood, it is used to produce various compounds like terpenes and tar, it is also used in the production of coal gas, coke.Due to this process, many organic compounds are obtained such as isoprene was obtained when destructive distillation is done of natural rubber.
2.The decomposition of wood takes place at $450-550{}^\circ C$
3.Pyroligneous acid is obtained from destructive distillation of wood that consists of $5%$ methanol.