Hydrolysis of a nitrile such as ethanenitrile with dilute acid gives
Correct answer: D. a carboxylic acid with the same number of carbon atoms as the nitrile
- A. an amine
- B. an aldehyde
- C. an alcohol
- D. a carboxylic acid with the same number of carbon atoms as the nitrile
Explanation
The carbon of the nitrile group becomes the carbon of the carboxyl group, so hydrolysing ethanenitrile gives ethanoic acid and ammonia is released as its salt. Since the nitrile itself was made by adding cyanide to an alkyl halide with one fewer carbon, the two steps together lengthen the chain by one. Reduction rather than hydrolysis of a nitrile gives a primary amine.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Nomenclature, Structure and Preparation
Carboxylic acids are prepared by oxidising primary alcohols or aldehydes, hydrolysing nitriles, esters and amides, and carbonating suitable organometallic compounds. Their structures, IUPAC naming, resonance stabilisation and acidic character explain why carboxylic acids differ from alcohols and phenols, despite all containing oxygen and hydrogen.
Practise Carboxylic Acids
550 free Carboxylic Acids MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Nomenclature, Structure and Preparation questions
Ethanoic acid can be prepared by the oxidation of
The IUPAC name of CH3CH2COOH is
The Latin word formica means ant. The name formic acid is derived from this Latin word because__________?
Grignard reagent gives carboxylic acid with____________?
When CO2 is made to react with ethyl magnesium iodide followed by acid hydrolysis the product formed is _________________?