Question

The starting raw material for synthesis of lignocaine is:

• A. 2,6-Xylidine
• B. p-Nitroacetophenone
• C. 4-Amino-3-Nitroanisole
• D. 4-Chlorobenzyl cyanide

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks which raw material begins the synthetic route to lignocaine, also called lidocaine.

Step 2: Key Concept:
Lignocaine belongs to the amide type local anesthetics, built from an aromatic amine that already carries the substitution pattern needed on the final ring.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
2,6-Xylidine, 2,6-dimethylaniline, is acylated with chloroacetyl chloride to form 2,6-dichloroacetanilide, which is then reacted with diethylamine to replace the chlorine and complete the lidocaine molecule. The methyl groups already present at the 2 and 6 positions of xylidine carry through unchanged into the final drug, which is why this specific aniline derivative, and not the other listed compounds used for unrelated drugs like chloramphenicol, is the true starting point.

Step 4: Final Answer:
2,6-Xylidine.