Answer :
Final answer:
Compound X, with a melting range of 173 - 177 degrees Celsius, is most likely to be the compound with a literature melting point of 175 degrees Celsius, as it best aligns with the observed experimental range.
Explanation:
When determining the identity of an unknown solid in organic chemistry, the melting point serves as a crucial physical constant. A melting point is typically represented as a range due to the gradual transition from solid to liquid, indicating the beginning and complete melting of the sample. In the question provided, Compound X has a melting point of 173 - 177 degrees Celsius. Of the possible compounds with known melting points (173, 175, 177, 179 degrees Celsius), Compound X is most likely to be the one with a literature melting point that falls within this experimental range.
Compound B with a literature melting point of 175 degrees Celsius is the most likely candidate since the experimental range straddles this value, suggesting good agreement and making it the most probable match. It is less likely to be Compound A (173°C) or Compound C (177°C) because these values are on the edges of the experimental range, while Compound D (179°C) is outside the experimental range, making it the least likely option.
