Question

Name the end product in the following series of reactions: $\text{CH}_{3}\text{COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{NH}_{3}} \text{A} \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} \text{B} \xrightarrow{\text{P}_{4}\text{O}_{10}} \text{C}$

• A. $\text{CH}_{3}\text{OH}$
• B. $\text{CH}_{4}$
• C. $\text{CH}_{3}\text{COONH}_{4}$
• D. $\text{CH}_{3}\text{CN}$

Hint:

$\text{P}_{4}\text{O}_{10}$ is a strong dehydrating agent that converts amides to nitriles.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Concept
Carboxylic acids react with ammonia to form salts, which dehydrate to amides and then to nitriles.
Step 2: Analysis
* $\text{CH}_{3}\text{COOH} + \text{NH}_{3} \rightarrow \text{CH}_{3}\text{COONH}_{4}$ (A: Ammonium acetate). * $\text{CH}_{3}\text{COONH}_{4} \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} \text{CH}_{3}\text{CONH}_{2} + \text{H}_{2}\text{O}$ (B: Acetamide). * $\text{CH}_{3}\text{CONH}_{2} \xrightarrow{\text{P}_{4}\text{O}_{10}} \text{CH}_{3}\text{CN} + \text{H}_{2}\text{O}$ (C: Acetonitrile).
Step 3: Conclusion
The end product C is methyl cyanide (acetonitrile).
Final Answer: (D)