Question 38 - 9701/13/M/J/22 | mMCQ.me

mMCQ.

Navigation Menu

Step into mMCQ.

Launch mMCQ. diagnostic

Explore mMCQ.

Cambridge A Levels Cambridge O Levels Free Diagnostic Pricing & Subscribe Sign in

Resources

Terms & Conditions

mMCQ.

© 2021 - 2025 mMCQ.All rights reserved.

Question 38 - 9701/13/M/J/22 | mMCQ.me

A Levels Chemistry (9701)•9701/13/M/J/22

Question 38 from 9701/13/M/J/22

Explanation

Nitriles hydrolyze to carboxylic acids with one reagent

Steps:

Propanoic acid is CH3CH2COOH, requiring a precursor that adds the carboxyl group.
Examine each option for a single-reagent reaction yielding this acid.
CH3CH2CN (propanenitrile) undergoes acid or base hydrolysis to CH3CH2COOH.
CH3CH2OCH3 (ether) lacks a functional group for direct conversion.

Why A is correct:

Nitriles react with H3O+ or OH- followed by acidification to form carboxylic acids, as RCN + 2H2O + H+ → RCOOH + NH4+.

Why the others are wrong:

B: Identical to A (CH3CH2CN), but question designates A as correct.
C: Identical to A (CH3CH2CN), but question designates A as correct.
D: Ethers do not hydrolyze to carboxylic acids with one reagent; they require harsh conditions for cleavage without forming COOH.

Final answer: A

Topic: Nitrogen compounds

Practice more A Levels Chemistry (9701) questions on mMCQ.me