Question

Chloropicrin is obtained by the reaction of

• A. steam on carbon tetrachloride
• B. nitric acid on chlorobenzene
• C. chlorine on picric acid
• D. nitric acid on chloroform

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine how chloropicrin is obtained, we need to explore the reactions mentioned in the options and understand the chemical process involved in forming chloropicrin.

1. Nitric acid on chloroform: This is the correct reaction for producing chloropicrin. The reaction of chloroform (\text{CHCl}_3) with nitric acid (\text{HNO}_3) yields chloropicrin (\text{CCl}_3\text{NO}_2):
   • The reaction is: \text{CHCl}_3 + \text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CCl}_3\text{NO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O}
   • Chloropicrin, also known as nitrochloroform, is a nerve agent which was initially used as a pesticide.
2. Steam on carbon tetrachloride: This interaction would typically not produce chloropicrin. Instead, carbon tetrachloride (\text{CCl}_4) could hydrolyze to give phosgene or carbon dioxide under specific conditions, but not chloropicrin.
3. Nitric acid on chlorobenzene: This reaction would lead to the nitration of chlorobenzene, producing nitrochlorobenzene, but not chloropicrin.
4. Chlorine on picric acid: This would not produce chloropicrin. Instead, chlorine reacting with picric acid could result in chlorination of the picric acid structure, not forming chloropicrin.

Based on the analysis above, the correct answer is nitric acid on chloroform.