Question

Zerevitinov?? determination of active hydrogen in a compound is based upon its reaction with

• A. Na
• B. ${CH_3MgI}$
• C. Zn
• D. Al

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Zerevitinov's determination of active hydrogen in a compound is based upon its reaction with Grignard reagents. The Grignard reagent in the options is ${CH_3MgI}$. Let's go through the steps involved in this determination:

1. The Zerevitinov method involves reacting the compound containing active hydrogen with the Grignard reagent, ${CH_3MgI}$.
2. This reaction is based on the principle that active hydrogen will react with the Grignard reagent to form hydrocarbons and magnesium salts.
3. The general reaction is given by:
   R-H + RMgX \rightarrow R-R + Mg(X)(OH)
   where R-H is a compound containing active hydrogen and RMgX is the Grignard reagent.
4. In this process, the active hydrogen is quantified by measuring the volume of hydrocarbon produced.

Let's now address why the other options are incorrect:

• Na (Sodium): While sodium can react with compounds containing active hydrogen to form sodium salts and hydrogen gas, it is not used in Zerevitinov's method, which specifically uses Grignard reagents.
• Zn (Zinc): Zinc is not a reagent for determining active hydrogen in this context. Zinc compounds generally serve different purposes in organometallic chemistry.
• Al (Aluminum): Aluminum is not involved in this particular determination. It does not react like a Grignard reagent with active hydrogen atoms in this context.

The correct answer is ${CH_3MgI}$ because this Grignard reagent reacts specifically with active hydrogen to form measurable hydrocarbons.