Q. In the reaction sequence, $C_{2}H_{5}Cl\ + \ KCN\overset{{\ \ C}_{2}H_{5}OH\ \ }{\rightarrow}\ X\underset{\ \bigtriangleup \ \ \ \ }{\overset{{\ \ \ H}_{3}O^{\bigoplus}\ \ \ }{\rightarrow}}Y\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \$ 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) $C_{2}H_{6}O$
Explanation
(a)
$C_{2}H_{5}Cl + KCN\overset{\ \ C_{2}\ H_{5}OH\ \ \ \ }{\rightarrow}C_{2}H_{5}CN + KCl$
(X)
$C_{2}H_{5}CN\underset{\mathrm{\Delta}}{\overset{H_{3}O^{+},2H_{2}O\ \ \ }{\rightarrow}}C_{2}H_{5}COOH + {NH}_{3}$
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ (Y)or\ (C_{3}H_{6}O_{2})$
So, the molecular formula of the Y is $C_{3}H_{6}O_{2}$.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.