Question

\((\mathrm{P}) \stackrel{\mathrm{Red} \mathrm{P} / \mathrm{X}_{2}}{\longrightarrow}(\mathrm{Q})\) (P) has M.F. \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) which gives fruity smell with alcohol and ' \(\mathrm{X}^{\prime}\) is halogen. Choose the incore: option: (A) Product (Q) is \(\beta\)-halocarboxylic acid (B) Reaction is possible when \(\alpha\)-hydrogen is present (C) Reaction is known as HVZ reaction (D) Red \(\mathrm{P}\) is taken in small amount and ' \(\mathrm{X}\) ' can be chlorine or bromine.

Short answer

The correct options are (A), (B), and (D). The product (Q) could be a β-halocarboxylic acid, the reaction possibly involves formation of an enolate anion requiring the presence of an alpha hydrogen, and red phosphorus is generally taken in a small amount with halogen either being chlorine or bromine.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the given reaction

The initial reactant (P) has a molecular formula of \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{2}\), which produces a fruity smell when reacted with alcohol. It also reacts with a halogen (X) to form product (Q). The reaction is shown as \((\mathrm{P}) \stackrel{\mathrm{Red} \mathrm{P} / \mathrm{X}_{2}}{\longrightarrow}(\mathrm{Q})\), where Red P probably refers to red phosphorus, and X can be a halogen.

Identify the possible reactions, compounds, and rules

Based on the given information, the following assumptions can be made: 1. (P) can be a carbonyl compound with the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{2}\). 2. The product (Q) can be a halocarboxylic acid. 3. Red phosphorus is commonly used in halogenation reactions, and could serve as a reducing agent. 4. The reaction possibly involves the formation of an enolate anion, which requires the presence of an alpha hydrogen.

Evaluate each option

Option (A): The product (Q) could be a β-halocarboxylic acid. Since we assumed earlier that compound (P) can be a carbonyl compound, this option seems plausible. Option (B): The reaction possibly involves formation of an enolate anion, which requires the presence of an alpha hydrogen. Therefore, this option is also plausible. Option (C): HVZ (Hell Volhard Zelinsky) reaction involves the halogenation of carboxylic acids in the presence of red phosphorus, leading to the generation of α-halocarboxylic acids. In this given reaction, we have a carbonyl compound rather than a carboxylic acid. Hence, the reaction is not an HVZ reaction, which makes this option incorrect. Option (D): When red phosphorus is used in halogenation reactions, it is generally taken in a small amount. Also, the halogen that can be used can be either chlorine or bromine. Thus, this option seems to be plausible.

Conclude the correct option(s)

Based on the evaluation of each option, the correct options are (A), (B), and (D). The reaction, with its given information, is consistent with each of these statements.

Key concepts

Molecular Formula

A molecular formula is a way of expressing the number and types of atoms present in a molecule. For instance, the molecular formula of compound (P) is \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_6\text{O}_2 \). This particular formula indicates that the molecule contains 3 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. Such a formula is crucial as it helps determine the molecule's possible structures and functional groups.

• Carbon atoms are often involved in forming a chain or bond to create the backbone of organic compounds.
• Hydrogen atoms usually saturate carbon atoms and determine certain chemical properties like acidity or basicity.
• Oxygen atoms often imply the presence of functional groups such as alcohols, carbonyls, and carboxyls.

Knowing the molecular formula provides a foundation for understanding more complex features like functional groups or possible isomers.

Halogenation Reaction

A halogenation reaction involves the addition of halogen atoms, such as chlorine or bromine, to an organic compound. For instance, the compound (P) undergoes halogenation with a halogen \((X_2)\) in the presence of red phosphorus. This forms product (Q).

Halogenation is a key reaction in organic chemistry. It modifies the physical and chemical properties of the original molecule by introducing halogen atoms.

• This introduction can make the compound more reactive or stable, depending on the halogen used.
• Red phosphorus is often used as a catalyst in this reaction, facilitating the addition of halogens.

Understanding halogenation reactions is crucial since they are widely applied in synthesizing different chemical products, including pharmaceuticals and polymers.

Enolate Anion

An enolate anion is formed when a hydrogen atom adjacent to a carbonyl group is removed, leaving a negatively charged ion. This generally happens during reactions like those involving carbonyl compounds with alpha hydrogens. This concept applies in reactions leading to the formation of compound (Q).

• Enolate anions are stable due to resonance stabilization involving the oxygen and carbon atoms.
• The alpha hydrogen is crucial as its removal leads to the formation of the enolate anion.

These anions can act as nucleophiles in reactions, allowing them to engage in numerous organic transformations, which is key to forming new bonds and synthesizing more complex molecules. The involvement of enolate anions often signals significant reactivity and potential applications in organic synthesis.

Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky Reaction

The Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky (HVZ) reaction is a specific type of halogenation aimed at carboxylic acids. In this reaction, the alpha hydrogen of a carboxylic acid is replaced by a halogen to create an alpha-halocarboxylic acid. However, in the given context, compound (P) is a carbonyl compound and not a carboxylic acid, so the HVZ reaction is not directly applicable.

To understand this reaction, it’s important to know:

• This reaction requires the presence of red phosphorus and a halogen \((X_2)\).
• The presence of an alpha hydrogen in the carboxylic acid is essential.

The HVZ reaction is valuable in organic synthesis for introducing functional groups that can further lead to the creation of a wide range of compounds, thus expanding the versatility of the original molecule.