Question

HCHO \(\xrightarrow{\text{Reduction}}\) A \(\xrightarrow{P + I_2}\) B \(\xrightarrow{KCN}\) C \(\xrightarrow{\text{Hydrolysis}}\) D. 'D' is

• A. acetic acid
• B. ethylamine
• C. acetamide
• D. None of these

Hint:

Hydrolysis of nitriles: \(R-CN \xrightarrow{H_2O/H^+} R-COOH\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a reaction sequence starting from formaldehyde.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\begin{enumerate} \item HCHO \(\xrightarrow{\text{Reduction}}\) A: Reduction of formaldehyde gives methanol (CH\(_3\)OH). A = CH\(_3\)OH. \item CH\(_3\)OH \(\xrightarrow{P + I_2}\) B: P + I\(_2\) produces PI\(_3\), which converts alcohol to alkyl iodide. B = CH\(_3\)I (methyl iodide). \item CH\(_3\)I \(\xrightarrow{KCN}\) C: Nucleophilic substitution gives methyl cyanide (acetonitrile). C = CH\(_3\)CN. \item CH\(_3\)CN \(\xrightarrow{\text{Hydrolysis}}\) D: Hydrolysis of nitrile gives carboxylic acid. D = CH\(_3\)COOH (acetic acid). \end{enumerate}
Step 3: Final Answer:
D is acetic acid, option (A).