The partial reduction of a nitrile (\(-CN\)) using SnCl\textsubscript{2}/HCl gives an imine intermediate that hydrolyzes to form an aldehyde (\(-CHO\)). This is an important method for synthesizing aldehydes from nitriles.
Step 1: Understanding the Reaction Mechanism The given reaction involves the reduction of a nitrile (\(-CN\)) group using stannous chloride (\(\text{SnCl}_2\)) and hydrochloric acid (\(\text{HCl}\)). This reaction follows a two-step mechanism:
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(A) The nitrile (\(-CN\)) is first reduced to an imine intermediate (\(-C=NH\)) in the presence of SnCl\textsubscript{2} and HCl.
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(B) Acidic hydrolysis (\(\text{H}_3\text{O}^+\)) of the imine intermediate leads to the formation of an aldehyde (\(-CHO\)).
Step 2: Identifying the Final Product The final product obtained after hydrolysis is benzaldehyde (\(-CHO\)).
Step 3: Matching with the Given Options The correct answer is benzaldehyde (\(\text{CHO}\)), which corresponds to option (B).
Final Answer: The product of the reaction is benzaldehyde (\(\text{CHO}\)).