Question

Hydrolysis of $C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}CN$ will synthesise:

• A. Ethanoic acid
• B. Methanoic acid
• C. Propanoic acid
• D. Acetaldehyde

Answer 1

The correct option is C Propanoic acid

Converting the nitrile into a carboxylic acid
There are two ways of doing this, both of which involve reacting the carbon-nitrogen triple bond with water. This is described as hydrolysis.
Acid hydrolysis:
The nitrile is heated under reflux with a dilute acid such as dilute hydrochloric acid. A carboxylic acid is formed. For example, starting from ethanenitrile you would get ethanoic acid.
Base hydrolysis:
The nitrile is heated under reflux with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide solution.
Propanenitrile ($C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}CN$) on hydrolysis give propanoic acid.