Question

The major product D formed in the following reaction sequence is:

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C. CH₃CH₂OH
• D. CH₃CH₂Cl

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let’s trace the reaction sequence
Step 1: \(CH_3OH\) (methanol) reacts with thionyl chloride \((SOCl_2)\) to form chloromethane (A):
\(CH_3OH + SOCl_2 → CH_3Cl (A) + SO_2 + HCl\)

Step 2: \(CH_3Cl\) reacts with potassium cyanide (KCN) in aqueous ethanol to form acetonitrile (B):
\(CH_3Cl + KCN → CH_3CN (B) + KCl\)

Step 3: Acetonitrile (B) is reduced using sodium amalgam \((Na(Hg))\) in ethanol to form ethylamine (C):
\( CH_3CN (B)\) \(CH_3CH_2NH_2 (C)\)

Step 4: Ethylamine (C) undergoes diazotization with sodium nitrite and hydrochloric acid \((NaNO_2/HCl)\), followed by hydrolysis with water \((H_2O)\) to produce ethanol (D) as the major product:

Conclusion: The major product D is ethanol \((CH_3CH_2OH).\)