Asked in Premeth Test 18 — Alkyl Halides, Aldehydes and Ketones, Atomic Structure (20 March 2025) 2025Moderate

Acetic acid reacts with thionyl chloride to form acetyl chloride, which species acts as nucleophile in the reaction

Correct answer: B. Cl

  • A. SO2
  • B. Cl
  • C. SO3
  • D. No nucleophile is formed

Explanation

In the reaction between acetic acid and thionyl chloride, the chloride ion (Cl-) acts as the nucleophile. It attacks the carbonyl carbon of acetic acid, which is slightly positive due to the electronegative oxygen atom. This attack results in the displacement of the hydroxyl group (-OH) as water, forming acetyl chloride. The other options are incorrect because SO2 and SO3 are not nucleophiles in this reaction, and the statement that no nucleophile is formed is incorrect as Cl- clearly plays this role.

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About Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

Carboxylic acid derivatives include acid halides, acid anhydrides, esters and amides, formed by replacing the hydroxyl group of a carboxylic acid. Their nomenclature, structures, preparation, hydrolysis and relative reactivity are linked through nucleophilic acyl substitution, which differs from the nucleophilic addition reactions of aldehydes and ketones.

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