1997 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies

Question 112: Science and Technology

Which one of the following is an active component of oil of clove?

aMenthol
bEugenol
cMethanol
dBenzaldehyde

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Eugenol is the main active component of clove oil, with a warming, antiseptic and numbing effect, which is why clove oil is used for toothache. Menthol comes from mint, methanol is wood alcohol, and benzaldehyde gives the smell of bitter almonds.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Menthol comes from mint oils.
  • (b) Right: eugenol.
  • (c) Methanol is wood alcohol and is poisonous.
  • (d) Benzaldehyde gives the smell of bitter almonds.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.