Question

Which compound will give brisk effervescence of $C{O_2}$ on treatment with $NaHC{O_3}$.
A. Ethyl Alcohol
B. Acetaldehyde
C. Acetone
D. Acetic acid

Answer 1

Hint: Sodium bicarbonate produces effervescence of $C{O_2}$ after reaction with strong acids. It is also basic in nature and thus will not react with weak acids or bases.

Complete step by step answer:
Sodium bicarbonate ($NaHC{O_3}$) is basic in nature. So it will only react with strong acids. It will not react with weak acids or bases. Ethyl Alcohol, ketone and acetaldehyde are basic in nature and will not react with sodium bicarbonate. The reaction with acetic acid is as follows:
$C{H_3}COOH + NaHC{O_3} \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O + C{O_2} \uparrow $

Above reaction has an intermediate product carbonic acid but since it is unstable it produces water and carbon dioxide. The other product is aqueous solution of sodium acetate. Thus we can say that from above all choices, So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note: It is considered amphoteric which means substances which react with both bases and acids. But sodium bicarbonate is generally used for neutralising acids and it is recommended to not to use it against bases.