Question

The major product formed in the following reaction is : 

• A. A
• B. B
• C. C
• D. D

Hint:

$SOCl_2$ and an alcohol convert acids to esters while simultaneously converting free amines to their hydrochloride salts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The given reaction involves the use of thionyl chloride \((\text{SOCl}_2)\) followed by methanol (\(\text{CH}_3\text{OH}\)). This signifies a two-step reaction mechanism often seen in organic chemistry for converting carboxylic acids to esters.

1. Formation of Acid Chloride:
   • The carboxylic acid group reacts with thionyl chloride \((\text{SOCl}_2)\), resulting in the formation of an acid chloride. Thionyl chloride is a reagent commonly used to convert carboxylic acids into acid chlorides by replacing the hydroxyl group with a chlorine atom.
2. Esterification:
   • The intermediate acid chloride then reacts with methanol \((\text{CH}_3\text{OH})\), which leads to the formation of an ester. This is a nucleophilic acyl substitution reaction where the methoxy group from methanol replaces the chlorine atom of the intermediate acid chloride.

Based on the reaction steps above, the major product formed will be an ester derivative. Looking at the given options, Option B, which has the ester group \((\text{CO}_2\text{CH}_3)\) formed from the carboxylic acid, is the correct major product.

Conclusion: The correct answer is Option B.