A toxic compound "A" when reacted with NaCN in aqueous acidic medium yields an edible cooking component and food preservative 'B'. "B" is converted to "C" by diborane and can be used as an additive to petrol to reduce emission. "C" upon reaction with oleum at yields an inhalable anesthetic "D". Identify "A", "B", "C" and "D", respectively.
- (A)Methanol; formaldehyde; methyl chloride; chloroform
- (B)Ethanol; acetonitrile; ethylamine; ethylene
- (C)Methanol; acetic acid; ethanol; diethyl ether✓ Correct
- (D)Acetaldehyde;2-hydroxypropanoic acid; propanoic acid; dipropyl ether
Answer: (C)
Solution
The toxic compound is methanol, and the later members of the chain are fixed by their stated uses. The edible preservative is acetic acid, the acid of vinegar. Reduction of this carboxylic acid by diborane gives the primary alcohol ethanol, which is blended into petrol. Heating ethanol with fuming sulphuric acid near brings about intermolecular dehydration to diethyl ether, the volatile inhalation anaesthetic. The four compounds are therefore methanol, acetic acid, ethanol and diethyl ether.
JEE Main · 2025 · 04 Apr 2025 · Shift 2 · Single correct option