Question

Which of the following will give benzoic acid on acidic hydrolysis:
(A) Phenyl cyanide,
(B) Benzonitrile,
(C) Benzyl cyanide,
(D) Methyl benzoate

• A. (A) and (B) only
• B. (A), (B), and (C) only
• C. (C), (D), and (A) only
• D. (A), (B), (C), and (D)

Hint:

Hydrolysis reactions involve the addition of water, and they break down chemical bonds. Compounds like nitriles, esters and anhydrides can react with water in the presence of acids or bases to yield carboxylic acids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Acidic hydrolysis involves bond cleavage in molecules, leading to new products.
• Phenyl cyanide (benzonitrile) hydrolyzes to benzoic acid.
• Acidic hydrolysis of benzoic anhydride yields two molecules of benzoic acid.
• Methyl benzoate, an ester, hydrolyzes into benzoic acid and methanol.
• Benzimidazole does not undergo this hydrolysis and thus does not form benzoic acid.
Therefore, acidic hydrolysis of compounds A, C, and D will produce benzoic acid.