Question

Identify the compound produced by the reduction of Ethanenitrile with Lithium aluminium hydride:

• A. Ethylamine
• B. Ethanal
• C. Propylamine
• D. Methylamine

Hint:

$LiAlH_4$ reduction of nitriles yields primary amines without losing any carbon atoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Reaction type.
Reduction of a nitrile ($-C \equiv N$) with lithium aluminium hydride ($LiAlH_4$) is a strong reductive process that converts the triple bond to a primary amine ($-CH_2NH_2$).
Step 2: Identify the starting material.
Ethanenitrile is $CH_3CN$, a two-carbon compound. The carbon count of the chain does not change during this reduction.
Step 3: Write the reaction.
$CH_3CN \xrightarrow{LiAlH_4,~H_2O} CH_3CH_2NH_2$. The product is ethylamine (ethanamine).
Step 4: Confirm the answer.
A two-carbon amine is ethylamine, not methylamine (1C) or propylamine (3C). Option (A) is correct.
\[ \boxed{(A)} \]