Problem 20 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Which compound is known as oil of winter green? (a) phenyl acetate (b) methyl salicylate (c) phenyl salicylate (d) phenyl benzoate

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Methyl salicylate is known as oil of wintergreen.

Step 1: Understand the Question

The question asks which of the provided compounds is commonly referred to as "oil of wintergreen." This means you need to identify the common name of a chemical compound from the options given.

Step 2: Identify Common Names of Compounds

Match the common names to the chemical names: - Phenyl acetate doesn’t have any common names associated with wintergreen. - Methyl salicylate is indeed commonly known as oil of wintergreen. - Phenyl salicylate and phenyl benzoate do not match with the common name of wintergreen.

Step 3: Verify Knowledge

Cross-reference your knowledge or check reliable sources to confirm that methyl salicylate is indeed the compound known as oil of wintergreen. It is used in topical analgesics and some flavoring applications.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the identification in Step 2, select (b) methyl salicylate as your answer for the compound known as oil of wintergreen.

Key Concepts

Common names of compounds

In the world of chemistry, many compounds are known not just by their systematic names but also by common or "trivial" names. These names often arise from historical uses, locations, or the scent associated with the compound. Understanding common names is crucial as it helps in connecting the empirical usage with the chemical underpinnings. Here are some examples:

• Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda
• Acetic acid, often called vinegar when diluted
• Aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid in chemical terms

These common names are frequently used in non-scientific settings and are essential for solving problems in exercises where identification of compounds is required without using their full chemical names.

Methyl salicylate

Methyl salicylate, perhaps more famously known by its common name, oil of wintergreen, is an organic ester naturally produced by several species of plants, particularly wintergreens. It has a distinctive minty aroma. This compound serves several roles, such as being used in topical pain relief and flavoring agents in food. Furthermore, exploring the structure of methyl salicylate can help one understand why it is classified as an ester: it is formed from salicylic acid and methanol, resulting in the ester group \(C=O-OCH_3\), a defining feature of this compound.

Chemical identification

Chemical identification can sometimes be confusing, but it is all about matching the right labels to the right substances. For instance, if tasked with identifying a compound known for a particular scent—like oil of wintergreen—it's useful to know the defining characteristics. Generally, identification involves:

• Knowing structural formulas and functional groups
• Understanding historical or common names
• Recognizing physical properties, such as smell

Such skills not only help in academic exercises but also in practical applications, like pharmacy and perfumery.

Organic chemistry

Organic Chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds. Compounds studied in this field include those with only hydrogen and carbon atoms, as well as compounds containing elements like nitrogen, oxygen, and halogens. Methyl salicylate falls under this field due to its carbon structure and functional groups, teaching us about esters, aromaticity, and reactions typical of organic substances. As students learn more, they will recognize basic types of reactions like substitutions, eliminations, and additions.

Multiple choice questions

Multiple choice questions, or MCQs, are a popular format in assessing knowledge in subjects like Chemistry. They test a student’s ability to recall facts, apply concepts, and make connections. To ace these questions, especially those related to Chemistry, you should:

• Have a strong grasp of basic nomenclature and chemical identifiers
• Recognize common compounds and their uses
• Practice identifying incorrect statements or false options

When faced with questions like determining which compound is also known as oil of wintergreen, using elimination based on known facts about chemical names can lead you to the correct answer efficiently.