Question

Considering the reaction sequence given below, the correct statement(s) is(are)

• A. $P$ can be reduced to a primary alcohol using $NaBH _4$.
• B. Treating $P$ with conc. $NH _4 OH$ solution followed by acidification gives $Q$.
• C. Treating $Q$ with a solution of $NaNO _2$ in aq. $HCl$ liberates $N _2$.
• D. $P$ is more acidic than $CH _3 CH _2 COOH$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the correct statement regarding the reaction sequence involving compound \( P \), let's analyze each statement based on chemical reactivity and characteristics: 

1. \(P\) can be reduced to a primary alcohol using \(NaBH_4\).
   • \(NaBH_4\) is a reducing agent that typically reduces aldehydes and ketones to alcohols but is ineffective on carboxylic acids.
   • If \(P\) is a carboxylic acid, \(NaBH_4\) will not be able to reduce it to a primary alcohol. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
2. Treating \(P\) with conc. \(NH_4OH\) solution followed by acidification gives \(Q\).
   • Concentrated \(NH_4OH\) provides \(NH_3\), which can react with an acid chloride to form amides, followed by acidification to give an amino acid.
   • Without the exact structural details of \(P\), it's speculative, but this transformation could be feasible if \(P\) were an acid chloride or a similar compound.
3. Treating \(Q\) with a solution of \(NaNO_2\) in aq. \(HCl\) liberates \(N_2\).
   • This transformation is characteristic of aromatic amines or primary amines via diazotization, where \(NaNO_2\) in \(HCl\) forms a diazonium salt which can liberate \(N_2\).
   • Since \(Q\) forms under certain conditions, the nature of \(Q\) being an amine leading to diazotization should be considered. Whether correct depends on exact transformations of \(P\).
4. \(P\) is more acidic than \(CH_3CH_2COOH\).
   • The acidity of a compound depends on its ability to donate protons and stabilize the resulting anion.
   • If \(P\) is a carboxylic acid with electron-withdrawing groups like \(NO_2\), it would be more acidic than \(CH_3CH_2COOH\).
   • This statement can be correct if \(P\) has such substituents that enhance acidity compared to propionic acid.

Conclusion: Based on the given statements and general chemical principles, the statement "\(P\) is more acidic than \(CH_3CH_2COOH\)." is correct under the assumption that \(P\) contains electron-withdrawing groups enhancing its acidity.