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JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3el141

A water-soluble white salt X is used in a pickle. Its aqueous solution is slightly basic. On adding dilute HCl a white solid separates, which melts at 122 degrees C and does not decolourise bromine water. (Melting points: benzoic acid 122, sorbic acid 134.5 degrees C; propanoic acid is a liquid miscible with water.) X is

  1. Apotassium sorbate
  2. Bcalcium propanoate
  3. Csodium benzoate
  4. Dsodium sulphite

Answer: C

Salts of weak acids give basic solutions, and the acid liberated by HCl is a white solid of melting point 122 degrees C, which is benzoic acid. Sorbic acid melts at 134.5 degrees C and would decolourise bromine water because of its C=C bonds, propanoic acid is a liquid, and sulphite would evolve SO2 gas without giving a solid. X is sodium benzoate.
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