Question

Identify the product C in the following reaction.
\[ \text{CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{NaOH}} A \xrightarrow{\text{CaO, }\Delta} B \xrightarrow{\text{HNO\(_3\)}} C \]

• A. CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)CH\(_3\)
• B. CH\(_2\) = CH\(_2\)
• C. CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)NO\(_2\)
• D. CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)CH\(_2\)OH

Hint:

Decarboxylation of carboxylic acids followed by nitration can lead to the formation of nitroalkanes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the reaction.
This is a sequence of reactions where propanoic acid (CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)COOH) undergoes decarboxylation to form ethanol (CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)OH) and further nitration results in the formation of nitroethane (CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)NO\(_2\)).

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)CH\(_3\): Incorrect — This is an alkane, not the product of the given reaction.
(B) CH\(_2\) = CH\(_2\): Incorrect — This is ethene, which is not produced in this reaction.
(C) CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)NO\(_2\): Correct — This is nitroethane, formed from the nitration of ethanol.
(D) CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)CH\(_2\)OH: Incorrect — This is ethanol, but the final product is nitroethane.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) CH\(_3\)CH\(_2\)NO\(_2\), which is nitroethane formed after nitration.