How can we convert ethanol to propanenitrile?

Answer:

Ethanol can be converted into propane nitrile by the following methods.

Step 1 : The ethanol is converted into bromo ethane in the presence of catalyst known as Red P/ Br2.

CH₃ – CH₂ – OH + Red P/ Br2 (Catalyst) →CH₃ – CH₂ – Br

Step 2 :

The intermediate product bromoethane is converted into propane nitrile in the presence of catalyst known as KCN/ Aq.ethanol.

CH₃ – CH₂ – Br →CH₃ – CH₂ – CN