Identify the compound (B) in given reaction. $\mathrm{CH}_3 \mathrm{Cl} \xrightarrow{\mathrm{KCN}}(A) \xrightarrow{\mathrm{H}^{+} / \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}}(B)$

• A

  $\mathrm{CH}_3 \mathrm{NH}_2$
• B

  $\mathrm{HCOOH}$
• Correct answer
  C

  $\mathrm{CH}_3 \mathrm{COOH}$
• D

  $\mathrm{CH}_3 \mathrm{COCH}_3$

Solution

When chloromethane reacts with potassium cyanide, it will produce methyl cyanide (A) and potassium chloride. It is a nucleophilic substitution reaction in which cyanide ion will displace chloride ion. On further step, methyl cyanide gets hydrolysed and give acetic acid (B).

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.