Question

Pyroligneous acid is a mixture of:
A. Methanol
B. Acetic acid
C. Acetone
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Pyroligneous acid is also called wood vinegar. It is termed as an aqueous liquid that is mainly obtained from wood pyrolysis. The yield of Pyroligneous acid and its chemical composition varies based on the type of woody raw material and the parameters in pyrolysis.

Complete step by step answer:
Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of organic material in the less or almost absence of oxygen. Wood pyrolysis is mainly involved in the production of tar and charred products. Pyroligneous acid is one of the commercial sources of acetic acid. It is a mixture of methanol, acetic acid, and acetone. It can be produced from the high-temperature carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass.
Pyroligneous acid is mainly used as a sterilizing agent and deodorizer. It has been useful to prohibit the growth of mould and white-rot fungi. It also helps to kill termites under laboratory conditions. It also acts as an antioxidant and antimicrobial.
Thus, Pyroligneous acid is a mixture of methanol, acetic acid, and acetone.

So, the correct answer is Option D.

Note: The molecular formula for acetic acid is \[C{H_3}COOH\]. It possesses antibacterial and antiseptic properties based on its concentration. It is also used for the preparation of acetate compounds. The molecular formula for methanol is \[C{H_3}OH\] and it is also called wood spirit since once methanol was made from the distillation of wood. It is used to create fuel and it is poisonous for human consumption. The molecular formula for acetone is \[C{H_3}COC{H_3}\] and it is mostly used and considered as a good solvent in many organic reactions. Acetone has been used for nail polish remover.