Answer: ethanoic acid.
- A ethanol
- B ethanamine
- C methanoic acid
- D ethanoic acid
Correct answer: D. ethanoic acid
Explanation: The nitrile carbon becomes the carboxyl carbon, so CH<sub>3</sub>CN hydrolyses to CH<sub>3</sub>COOH (ethanoic acid).
Curved arrows show the nucleophile attacking the carbonyl carbon while the C=O pi electrons move onto oxygen, giving a tetrahedral alkoxide intermediate.
Concept context
Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives (esters, amides, acid chlorides). Key reactions include nucleophilic addition, Aldol condensation, Cannizzaro, and Claisen. Very heavily tested in JEE and NEET.
Read the full Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids notes →