Question:

Ethanoic acid undergoes Hell - Volhard Zelinsky reaction but Methanoic acid does not because of

Updated On: Apr 1, 2025
  • Absence of α-H atom in Ethanoic Acid
  • Presence of α-H atom in Methanoic Acid
  • Higher acidic strength of ethanoic acid than Methanoic Acid
  • Presence of α-H atom in Ethanoic Acid
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky (HVZ) reaction is a valuable organic chemistry method specifically designed for the α-bromination of carboxylic acids. This reaction involves treating the carboxylic acid with phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) and a catalytic amount of red phosphorus (P)

A key characteristic of the HVZ reaction is its dependence on the presence of an α-hydrogen atom on the carboxylic acid. The α-position refers to the carbon atom directly adjacent to the carboxyl group (-COOH).

Interestingly, methanoic acid (formic acid), with the formula \(HCOOH\), *does not* undergo the HVZ reaction, while ethanoic acid (acetic acid), with the formula \(CH_3COOH\), *does*. The crucial difference lies in the presence of an α-hydrogen atom in ethanoic acid that is absent in methanoic acid.

Therefore, the reason for the difference in reactivity is due to:

(D) Presence of α-H atom in Ethanoic Acid

The reaction relies on the formation of an enol intermediate, which requires the presence of a hydrogen atom on the alpha carbon. Formic acid lacks this alpha hydrogen and thus cannot form the enol intermediate. This is why it does not react with the HVZ process.

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Concepts Used:

Organic Chemistry - Some Basic Principles and Techniques

Organic Chemistry is a subset of chemistry dealing with compounds of carbon. Therefore, we can say that Organic chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds and is 200-225 years old. Carbon forms bond with itself to form long chains of hydrocarbons, e.g.CH4, methane and CH3-CH3 ethane. Carbon has the ability to form carbon-carbon bonds quite elaborately. Polymers like polyethylene is a linear chain where hundreds of CH2 are linked together. 

Read Also: Organic Compounds

Importance of Organic Chemistry:

Organic chemistry is applicable in a variety of areas including-

  • Medicines: Example- Aspirin which is a headache medicine and Ibuprofen is a painkiller, both are organic compounds. Other examples include paracetamol.
  • Food: Example- Starch which is a carbohydrate is an organic compound and a constituent of rice and other grains. It is the source of energy.
  • Clothing: Example- Nylon, Polyester and Cotton are forms of organic compounds.
  • Fuels: Examples- Gasoline, Petrol and Diesel are organic compounds used in the automobile industry at large.