Question

Identify the product 'P' of following reaction.
Ethanoyl chloride $\xrightarrow{H_2O}$ P

• A. Ethyl ethanoate
• B. Ethanoic acid
• C. Ethanol
• D. Ethanal

Hint:

Acid chlorides are the most reactive of all carboxylic acid derivatives. They will readily hydrolyze even with cold water, often violently releasing HCl fumes!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We are asked to identify the main organic product when ethanoyl chloride reacts with water.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Ethanoyl chloride (commonly known as acetyl chloride) is an acid chloride with the formula $\text{CH}_3\text{COCl}$.
Acid chlorides are highly reactive derivatives of carboxylic acids. When they react with water, they undergo a rapid nucleophilic acyl substitution reaction known as hydrolysis.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
During the hydrolysis of an acid chloride, the water molecule acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbonyl carbon.
The chlorine atom acts as a good leaving group.
The overall reaction is:
$$\text{CH}_3\text{COCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{HCl}$$
The -Cl group is effectively replaced by an -OH group.
The resulting organic product, $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$, is ethanoic acid (acetic acid).

Step 4: Final Answer:
The product 'P' is ethanoic acid, which corresponds to option (B).