Hydrolysis of functional groups yields identical carboxylic acid

Steps:

• Identify the two products from the reaction, likely a nitrile (RCN) and an amide (RCONH₂) derived from the same alkyl chain.
• Recall that nitriles hydrolyze under acidic or basic conditions to carboxylic acids (RCN + 2H₂O + H⁺ → RCOOH + NH₄⁺).
• Note that amides also hydrolyze to carboxylic acids (RCONH₂ + H₂O + H⁺ → RCOOH + NH₄⁺).
• Compare outcomes: both yield the same RCOOH.

Why C is correct:

• Nitriles and amides, as nitrogen-containing derivatives of carboxylic acids, hydrolyze to the parent carboxylic acid via cleavage of the C≡N or C=O-N bond, following standard nucleophilic acyl substitution mechanisms.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: The reaction likely involves nucleophilic substitution for one product but not both, or neither if addition is involved.
• B: Products form via substitution on alkyl halides, not addition to unsaturated bonds.
• D: One product may lack sufficient polar groups (e.g., nitrile vs. amide) to form strong hydrogen bonds with water.

Final answer: C