The product formed from the following reaction sequence is [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
- [figure]
Answer
(3) [figure]
Solution
(i) HCN adds to benzaldehyde to give the cyanohydrin; (ii) acid hydrolysis converts -CN to -COOH (2-hydroxy-2-phenylethanoic acid, mandelic acid).
(iii) As per NCERT, sodium salts of carboxylic acids lose carbon dioxide when heated with soda-lime (NaOH and CaO in the ratio 3 : 1) — decarboxylation, -COOH is replaced by H.
[figure]
The product is benzyl alcohol, C6H5CH2OH.
Answer: (3)