Concept:Nitriles possess a carbon triple-bonded to a nitrogen (\( -\text{C}\equiv\text{N} \)). The hydrolysis of this highly oxidized carbon yields a molecule in a similarly high oxidation state.
Formula:$$ \text{R-C}\equiv\text{N} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{H}^+} \text{R-COOH} + \text{NH}_4^+ $$
Solution:- When boiled with aqueous acids or bases, the triple bond is entirely broken.
- The nitrogen is expelled as ammonia/ammonium.
- The remaining carbon fragment bonds with oxygen from the water to yield a carboxylic acid.
Why other options are incorrect:Aldehydes and ketones require specialized partial reductions (like DIBAL-H or Grignard additions) to form from nitriles, not simple hydrolysis. Esters require the presence of an alcohol.
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