Question

Consider the above reaction and identify the product B.

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

In organic synthesis, the reduction of nitro compounds to amines followed by acetylation is a useful method to modify functional groups. Acetanilide is often used as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals, and understanding the reaction mechanism helps in controlling the functionalization of the amine group.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Answer 2

Step 1: In the initial step, the nitro group (-NO₂) attached to the benzene ring undergoes reduction in the presence of hydrogen (H₂) and palladium (Pd) catalyst. This process is known as catalytic hydrogenation. The nitro group is reduced to an amine group (-NH₂), resulting in the formation of aniline.

Step 2: The second part of the reaction involves acetylation of the aniline (formed in step 1). The acetylation is carried out using acetic anhydride (CH₃CO)₂O, which introduces an acetyl group (-COCH₃) to the nitrogen atom of the amine group. This reaction forms acetanilide as the final product, which consists of an aniline group (C₆H₅-NH) attached to an acetyl group (COCH₃).

The product B is acetanilide, a common compound in organic synthesis and a precursor to many pharmaceuticals and dyes. The reaction can be represented as:

Reduction step:
C₆H₅NO₂ + H₂/Pd → C₆H₅NH₂ (Aniline)

Acetylation step:
C₆H₅NH₂ + (CH₃CO)₂O → C₆H₅NHCOCH₃ (Acetanilide)