Question

In a set of reactions, acetic acid yields a product D: \[ \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{SOCl}_2} \text{Benzene} \xrightarrow{\text{AlCl}_3} (B) \] \[ \text{HCN} \xrightarrow{\text{(C)}} \text{HOH} \xrightarrow{\text{H}_2\text{O}} (D) \] The structure of \( D \) would be:

• A. A
• B. B
• C. C
• D. D

Hint:

Friedel-Crafts acylation is used to add an acyl group (RCO-) to an aromatic ring.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Reaction of acetic acid with thionyl chloride.
Acetic acid reacts with thionyl chloride (SOCl\(_2\)) to form acetyl chloride.

Step 2: Friedel-Crafts acylation.
Acetyl chloride reacts with benzene in the presence of AlCl\(_3\) to form acetophenone.

Step 3: Hydrolysis.
The next reaction involves hydrolysis of the nitrile group to form a carboxylic acid, yielding the final product as \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOH} \) (benzoic acid).