Question:

Identify the product formed in the following reaction: $(CH_3CO)_2O \xrightarrow{H_2O} \text{Product}$

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Any acid derivative (anhydrides, acyl chlorides, esters, and amides) will always ultimately yield its parent carboxylic acid upon complete hydrolysis.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • $CH_3COCH_3$
  • $CH_3 - CHO$
  • $CH_3 - OH$
  • $CH_3COOH$
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the product of the hydrolysis of a specific organic anhydride, represented by the chemical formula $(CH_3CO)_2O$.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

The reactant is acetic anhydride (also known as ethanoic anhydride).
Acid anhydrides are derivatives of carboxylic acids. They are formed by the removal of one water molecule from two carboxylic acid molecules.
Conversely, when an acid anhydride undergoes hydrolysis (reaction with water), it cleaves down the middle and regenerates the two original carboxylic acid molecules.
The chemical reaction is:
$CH_3-C(=O)-O-C(=O)-CH_3 + H_2O \rightarrow 2CH_3COOH$
Acetic anhydride reacts with water to form two molecules of acetic acid (ethanoic acid).

Step 3: Final Answer:

The product formed is acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$), which corresponds to option (d).
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