Question

In the reaction sequence,
$C_{2}H_{5}Cl+KCN\xrightarrow{C_2H_5OH} X \xrightarrow[\Delta]{H_3O^{\oplus}}$
What is the molecular formula of $Y$ ?

• A. $C_{3}H_{6}O_{2}$
• B. $C_{3}H_{5}N$
• C. $C_{2}H_{4}O_{2}$
• D. $C_{2}H_{6}O$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$C_2H_5Cl + KCN \xrightarrow{C_2H_5OH} \underset{(X)}{C_2H_5CN + KCl}$
$C_2H_5CN \xrightarrow[\Delta]{H_3O^+, 2H_2O} \underset{Y}{C_2H_5COOH} + NH_3$
So, the molecular formula of the $Y$ is $C _3 H _6 O _2$.