Moderate

Propanoic acid is produced from_on acidic hydrolysis.

Correct answer: D. Ethyl cyanide

  • A. 1-propanol
  • B. Isopropyl cyanide
  • C. n-propyl cyanide
  • D. Ethyl cyanide

Explanation

Propanoic acid is produced through the acidic hydrolysis of ethyl cyanide (also known as ethanoic acid). During this reaction, the nitrile group undergoes hydrolysis to generate a carboxylic acid. In contrast, the other options do not lead to the formation of propanoic acid. 1-propanol, being an alcohol, lacks the necessary functional group to form a carboxylic acid. Isopropyl cyanide and n-propyl cyanide, while they are nitriles, do not specifically yield propanoic acid upon hydrolysis. Therefore, ethyl cyanide is the only precursor that directly results in propanoic acid.

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About Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are named and studied through the combined effects of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, their preparation, acidity and hydrogen bonding. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, reduction and conversion into acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides, with emphasis on how these derivatives interconvert.

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