Concept:The functional group interconversion of a nitrile (cyano group, \( -\text{C}\equiv\text{N} \)) via hydrolysis is a classic method for synthesizing carboxylic acids.
Formula:$$ \text{R-C}\equiv\text{N} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{H}^+ \text{ or } \text{OH}^-, \Delta} \text{R-COOH} + \text{NH}_3 $$
Solution:- Heating a nitrile in aqueous acidic or basic conditions breaks the carbon-nitrogen triple bond.
- The nitrogen is eliminated as ammonia (or an ammonium salt).
- The carbon atom is fully oxidized by water to become a carboxylic acid.
Why other options are incorrect:Aldehydes and ketones require specialized organometallic or reducing agents to form from nitriles. Esters are formed by reacting the resulting acid with an alcohol.
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