Question:

Benzonitrile can be prepared from benzaldehyde on treatment with

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Aldoximes can be dehydrated to nitriles using various reagents including $\text{P}_2\text{O}_5$, $\text{SOCl}_2$, or acetic anhydride.
Updated On: May 1, 2026
  • NH$_3$
  • NH$_3$ followed by hydrogenation with Ni
  • NH$_2$OH
  • NH$_2$OH followed by dehydration with acetic anhydride
  • Hydrogen cyanide
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The synthesis of nitriles from aldehydes typically involves the intermediate formation of an aldoxime, which is subsequently dehydrated.

Step 1:
{Reaction of benzaldehyde with hydroxylamine.} Benzaldehyde reacts with hydroxylamine ($\text{NH}_2\text{OH}$) to form benzaldoxime. $$\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO} + \text{NH}_2\text{OH} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH=NOH} + \text{H}_2\text{O}$$

Step 2:
{Dehydration of the oxime.} Benzaldoxime is then treated with a dehydrating agent, such as acetic anhydride. This step removes a water molecule from the oxime group to yield benzonitrile.

Step 3:
{Final product formation.} $$\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH=NOH} \xrightarrow{\text{Acetic anhydride}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CN}$$ The overall conversion results in the formation of Benzonitrile.
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