Concept Explanation: Synthetic Fibers and Their Properties

This question tests your understanding of synthetic fibers, their blends, and their properties. Let's analyze each statement step by step to identify which one is incorrect.

Step 1: Analyze Statement 1

"Polycot is a mixture of polyester and cotton"

This is correct. Polycot is a blend of polyester (a synthetic fiber) and cotton (a natural fiber), combining the durability of polyester with the comfort of cotton.

Step 2: Analyze Statement 2

"Polywool is a mixture of polyester and wool"

This is correct. Polywool blends polyester (synthetic) with wool (natural), offering wrinkle resistance from polyester and warmth from wool.

Step 3: Analyze Statement 3

"Esters are chemicals which give fruits their smell"

This is correct. Esters are organic compounds produced by the reaction of an acid and an alcohol. Many esters have pleasant, fruity odors. For example, pentyl ethanoate smells like bananas, and octyl ethanoate smells like oranges. The general esterification reaction is:

$R-COOH+R^{\prime }-OH\stackrel{H{+}^{+}}{\leftrightarrow }R-COO-R^{\prime }+H_{2}O$

Step 4: Analyze Statement 4

"Synthetic clothes can be used in kitchen"

This is generally considered incorrect and is the answer. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, or acrylic are highly flammable. They melt easily when exposed to heat or flame, which can cause severe burns if they stick to the skin. For safety, natural fibers like cotton are recommended in the kitchen.

Final Answer

The incorrect statement is: "Synthetic clothes can be used in kitchen" due to the significant fire hazard they present.

Related Topics & Formulae

Key Concepts

• Synthetic Fibers: Man-made fibers, usually prepared from petroleum-based chemicals (petrochemicals). Examples: Nylon, Polyester, Acrylic, Rayon.
• Fiber Blends: Combining different fibers to enhance properties.
  • Polycot: Polyester + Cotton (Strong + Absorbent)
  • Polywool: Polyester + Wool (Wrinkle-resistant + Warm)
• Esters: A class of organic compounds with the general formula $RCOO{R}^{\prime }$, where R and R' are hydrocarbon groups. They are known for their fragrant smells.
• Flammability: Synthetic fibers melt and burn readily, making them unsafe near fire. Natural fibers like cotton char but do not melt.

Important Chemical Reaction

Esterification: The chemical reaction to form an ester.

$\mathrm{Carboxylic}\mathrm{Acid}+\mathrm{Alcohol}\stackrel{\mathrm{Acid}\mathrm{catalyst},\mathrm{heat}}{\leftrightarrow }\mathrm{Ester}+\mathrm{Water}$