Question

\(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CHO}\) can be converted into carboxylic acid or acid salt by using (A) \(\mathrm{NaOI}\) (B) \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CO}_{3} \mathrm{H}\) (C) \(\mathrm{Ag}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (D) \(\mathrm{NaOH}\)

Short answer

In conclusion, from the given reagents, only (A) \(\mathrm{NaOI}\) can successfully convert acetaldehyde into a carboxylic acid or acid salt.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Acetaldehyde

We are given the compound \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CHO}\), which is known as acetaldehyde. It contains a carbonyl group (C=O) with one hydrogen bonded to the carbonyl carbon.

Analyzing Reagent (A)

Reagent (A) is \(\mathrm{NaOI}\), which is sodium hypoiodite. This is a mild oxidizing agent that can oxidize aldehyde groups to carboxylic acids. Thus, when reacting acetaldehyde with sodium hypoiodite, it forms acetic acid (carboxylic acid) or its corresponding acid salt. So, (A) is a correct answer.

Analyzing Reagent (B)

Reagent (B) is \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CO}_{3} \mathrm{H}\), which is peracetic acid. Peracetic acid is a strong oxidizing agent, but it selectively oxidizes primary alcohols to aldehydes. Therefore, it will not further oxidize acetaldehyde to a carboxylic acid or salt. So, (B) is not a correct answer.

Analyzing Reagent (C)

Reagent (C) is \(\mathrm{Ag}_{2} \mathrm{O}\), which is silver oxide. Silver oxide is a weak oxidizing agent, insufficient to oxidize acetaldehyde to a carboxylic acid or salt. So, (C) is not a correct answer.

Analyzing Reagent (D)

Reagent (D) is \(\mathrm{NaOH}\), which is sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and can form a salt with carboxylic acids. However, it is not an oxidizing agent, so it is unable to convert acetaldehyde to a carboxylic acid or salt. So, (D) is not a correct answer. In conclusion, from the given reagents, only (A) \(\mathrm{NaOI}\) can successfully convert acetaldehyde into a carboxylic acid or acid salt.

Key concepts

Sodium Hypoiodite

Sodium hypoiodite, denoted as \(\mathrm{NaOI}\), plays an intriguing role in organic chemistry as a mild oxidizing agent. This chemical compound comprises sodium, oxygen, and iodine and is typically used in oxidation reactions where control is essential. During the oxidation of acetaldehyde \((\mathrm{CH}_3 \mathrm{CHO})\), sodium hypoiodite plays a pivotal role.

In simple terms, when sodium hypoiodite is introduced to an aldehyde like acetaldehyde, it helps remove hydrogen from the aldehyde group \((\mathrm{-CHO})\). This process transforms the original substance into a carboxylic acid or its corresponding acid salt by adding an oxygen atom to form a carboxyl group \((-COOH)\).

• Aldehyde: Initial compound with a \((-CHO)\) group.
• Carboxylic Acid: Resulting compound with \((-COOH)\) and increased oxidation.

Because sodium hypoiodite is a milder oxidizing agent, it generally results in fewer side reactions, making it a beneficial choice for this type of chemical transformation.

Organic Oxidation Reactions

Organic oxidation reactions involve the process of increasing the oxygen content or reducing the hydrogen content of a compound. It usually transforms a less oxidized compound into a more oxidized one. In organic chemistry, gaining an understanding of this oxidation process is crucial as it leads to various functional group conversions.

• Primary Alcohols can be converted to Aldehydes.
• Aldehydes can be further oxidized to Carboxylic Acids.

Oxidation is often featured in various tests to distinguish between different functional groups in organic compounds. Each reagent has varying strengths and specificities. Sodium hypoiodite, as mentioned before, is a mild agent involved in controlled oxidation.

Thus, when learning about organic oxidation reactions, understanding the choice of reagent is key. Different oxidizing agents like sodium hypoiodite, silver oxide, and peracetic acid have varying capabilities. Sodium hypoiodite can specifically assist in converting aldehydes to carboxylic acids, demonstrating its unique utility in organic synthesis.

Aldehyde to Carboxylic Acid Conversion

The conversion of aldehydes into carboxylic acids is an essential chemical transformation, commonly achieved by oxidation reactions. Aldehydes have a hydrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl group \((-CHO)\), while carboxylic acids have an added hydroxyl group \((-COOH)\), accounting for the extra oxygen and higher oxidation state.

This conversion is mostly pursued for creating either the free acid or the corresponding acid salt, making the reaction significant for many industries. Choosing the correct oxidizing agent is crucial to obtain the carboxylic acid efficiently.

• Sodium Hypoiodite: Converts aldehydes to carboxylic acids.
• Reaction Efficiency: Minimizes by-products due to mildness.

As seen in our exercise, sodium hypoiodite effectively serves this role by oxidizing acetaldehyde into acetic acid. This transformation is important because acetic acid serves as a vital compound in both industrial processes and biochemical pathways.