Question

Identify the product 'Y' in the following reaction \(\text{Benzonitrile}\overset{\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{MgBr}/\text{dry ether}\,}{\rightarrow }X\overset{\text{H}_3\text{O}^+\,}{\rightarrow }Y+\text{MgBr(OH)}+\text{NH}_3\)

• A. Benzophenone
• B. Benzylalcohol
• C. Benzaldehyde
• D. Benzoic acid

Hint:

Grignard reagents add to the nitrile carbon, and hydrolysis of the imine gives a ketone.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Count the carbons:
Benzonitrile contributes $\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{-C}$, and the Grignard contributes another $\text{C}_6\text{H}_5$. Together they give two phenyl groups on one carbon.

Step 2: Hydrolysis:
$\text{C=NH}$ turns into $\text{C=O}$ with loss of $\text{NH}_3$, giving diphenyl ketone, benzophenone (A).

Final Answer:
Benzophenone. \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]