Question

Identify $X$ and $Y$ in the following sequence of reactions respectively:
${CH}_{3}CHO\underset{}{\overset{H{NO}_3}{\to }}X\underset{\Delta }{\overset{P_4{O}_{10}}{\to }}Y$

• A. $C_2{H}_{5}OH$ and $C_2{H}_4$
• B. ${CH}_{3}COOH$ and ${\left({CH}_{3}CO\right)}_{2}O$
• C. ${CH}_{3}COOH$ and ${CH}_{3}CO{CH}_3$
• D. $C_2{H}_{5}OH$ and ${CH}_{3}COOH$

Answer 1

The correct option is B ${CH}_{3}COOH$ and ${\left({CH}_{3}CO\right)}_{2}O$

${CH}_{3}CHO\underset{}{\overset{H{NO}_3}{\to }}\underset{X}{C{H}_{3}COOH}\underset{\Delta }{\overset{P_4{O}_{10}}{\to }}\underset{Y}{(C{H}_{3}CO{)}_{2}O}$

• $HN{O}_3$ is an oxidising agent , hence converts aldehyde to acid
• $P_4{O}_{10}$ is a dehydrating agent , hence forms anhydride from acid.

Hence (B) is correct.