Which of the following is used to hasten the ripening of fruit?

Analysis

The question asks for the specific chemical compound used in agriculture and food science to accelerate the ripening process of fruits.

Concept Explanation

The process of fruit ripening is a natural physiological change, but it can be artificially induced or accelerated using plant hormones or specific hydrocarbons.

• Ethene (Ethylene): This is a naturally occurring plant hormone that regulates growth and development. In its gaseous form ($C_2H_4$), it is widely used commercially to trigger the ripening process in climacteric fruits like bananas, tomatoes, and mangoes.
• Ethane ($C_2H_6$): This is a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane) and has no effect on fruit ripening.
• Ethyne (Acetylene, $C_2H_2$): While sometimes used illegally or in crude settings to ripen fruit, it is not the standard biological or industrial agent used for this purpose; it is often considered a contaminant.
• Ethanol ($C_2H_5OH$): This is an alcohol and is not used to ripen fruit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Identify the chemical nature of ripening agents: Ripening is a biological process triggered by the hormone ethylene.
2. Match the hormone to the chemical name: The IUPAC name for the gas ethylene is ethene.
3. Evaluate the options: • A. Ethene: Correct. It is the alkene used to stimulate the ripening process. • B. Ethanol: Incorrect; it is an alcohol. • C. Ethyne: Incorrect; although it can force ripening, it is not the standard biological agent and can be toxic. • D. Ethane: Incorrect; it is an unreactive alkane.

Conclusion

Ethene is the correct chemical compound used to hasten the ripening of fruits.

Exam Tip: Remember the "ene" suffix for plant hormones. If you see "Ethene" (or Ethylene) in a question about plant growth, ripening, or fruit development, that is almost certainly your answer!