Organic Chemistry MCAT Practice Exam 2025 - Free MCAT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What type of compound is produced when a nitrile undergoes acid hydrolysis?

Aldehyde

Ketone

Carboxylic acid

When a nitrile undergoes acid hydrolysis, the reaction leads to the formation of a carboxylic acid. This process involves the addition of water (hydrolysis) in the presence of an acid, which effectively breaks down the nitrile group (–C≡N) into the more stable functional group.

During acid hydrolysis, the nitrile is first protonated by the acid, making it more electrophilic. Following this, water attacks the carbon atom of the nitrile, leading to the formation of an intermediate that can rearrange. Ultimately, this intermediate is converted into a carboxylic acid through the loss of ammonia (or an amine) once the hydrolysis is complete.

Hence, the product resulting from this reaction is a carboxylic acid, making this option the correct choice. Thus, the transformation of a nitrile to a carboxylic acid is a well-known reaction in organic chemistry and highlights the significance of hydrolysis in modifying carbon compounds.

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