Matching Chemicals with Applications: A Detailed Analysis

This question requires matching specific chemicals from List II with their common applications or descriptions provided in List I. Let's analyze each item in List I and find its corresponding match in List II.

Analyzing List I and List II Items

We need to connect each description in List I to the correct chemical substance in List II. Here's a breakdown:

• List I (Applications/Descriptions):
  • (A) Solvent used in perfumes
  • (B) Starting material for picric acid
  • (C) Wood Spirit
  • (D) By-product of soap industry used in cosmetics
• List II (Chemicals):
  • (I) Phenol
  • (II) Glycerol
  • (III) Methanol
  • (IV) Ethanol

Step-by-Step Matching Process

Let's go through each item in List I and determine its match:

(A) Solvent used in perfumes:

Perfumes often use solvents to dissolve fragrance compounds. Among the given options, Ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) is the most common and widely used solvent in perfumes due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of essential oils and synthetic fragrances, and its rapid evaporation rate which helps to disperse the scent.

• Match: (A) is Ethanol (IV).

(B) Starting material for picric acid:

Picric acid is the common name for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol. The chemical name itself suggests that it is derived from Phenol. Picric acid is synthesized by the nitration of Phenol.

• Match: (B) is Phenol (I).

(C) Wood Spirit:

Wood spirit is a historical term for Methanol (methyl alcohol). It was originally produced by the destructive distillation of wood, hence the name "wood spirit".

• Match: (C) is Methanol (III).

(D) By-product of soap industry used in cosmetics:

Soap is produced through the saponification of fats or oils, which are triglycerides. During this process, the ester bonds are broken, yielding fatty acid salts (soap) and Glycerol. Glycerol is a valuable by-product and is widely used in cosmetics, lotions, and other personal care products as a humectant (a substance that helps retain moisture).

• Match: (D) is Glycerol (II).

Consolidating the Matches

Based on the analysis, the correct matching is:

• (A) - (IV)
• (B) - (I)
• (C) - (III)
• (D) - (II)

Summary Table

The correct combination of matches is A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II.

Revision Table: Key Chemical Facts

Additional Information: Chemical Applications

Understanding the properties and common uses of chemicals is crucial in chemistry. Here's a bit more detail on the substances mentioned:

• Ethanol: Beyond perfumes, ethanol is a versatile solvent used in pharmaceuticals, food flavoring, and as a fuel (bioethanol).
• Phenol: While a starting material for picric acid (an explosive), phenol itself was one of the first antiseptics used by Lister. Today, its derivatives are used in resins (like Bakelite) and nylon.
• Methanol: Methanol is a key industrial chemical used to produce formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various other chemicals. It is highly toxic and should never be consumed.
• Glycerol: Its humectant properties make glycerol invaluable in skincare. It's also used in food to keep things moist, as a sweetener, and in cough syrups. Its production as a by-product of biodiesel synthesis is also significant.

These examples highlight how the structure and properties of organic molecules like alcohols and phenols dictate their diverse applications in various industries.