Question

Which of the following will give benzoic acid on acidic hydrolysis:
(A) Phenyl cyanide,
(B) Benzonitrile,
(C) Benzyl cyanide,
(D) Methyl benzoate

• A. (A) and (B) only
• B. (A), (B), and (C) only
• C. (C), (D), and (A) only
• D. (A), (B), (C), and (D)

Hint:

Hydrolysis reactions involve the addition of water, and they break down chemical bonds. Compounds like nitriles, esters and anhydrides can react with water in the presence of acids or bases to yield carboxylic acids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Hydrolysis in the presence of an acid breaks specific bonds in molecules to produce different products.
• Phenyl cyanide (benzonitrile) undergoes hydrolysis to form benzoic acid.
• Benzoic anhydride forms two molecules of benzoic acid on acidic hydrolysis.
• Methyl benzoate is an ester that undergoes hydrolysis to form benzoic acid and methanol.
• Benzimidazole will not undergo this type of hydrolysis and will not form benzoic acid.
Thus, the compounds in options A, C and D will form benzoic acid upon acidic hydrolysis.