Question

The major product of the following reaction is:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To predict the major product of this reaction, we need to consider the reaction between a dicarboxylic acid (phthalic acid) and ammonia under conditions of strong heating. This reaction typically results in the formation of an imide through two main steps:

1. Formation of an ammonium salt: The carboxylic acid groups react with ammonia to form ammonium carboxylate salts.
2. Formation of a cyclic imide: On heating, the ammonium salts undergo dehydration (loss of water) to form a cyclic imide.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the reaction:

1. The two carboxylic acid groups react with ammonia (NH₃) to form an ammonium carboxylate salt intermediate.
2. Upon strong heating, this intermediate loses water to form a cyclic compound known as phthalimide.

The structure formed is an imide where the two carboxyl groups have expelled water and formed a five-membered ring with the nitrogen atom.

The correct answer is the structure of phthalimide.