Which compound can produce chloropicrin with `Cl_2 + NaOH`

Options

A. Nitromethane
B. Nitrophenol
C. Nitroethane
D. Nitrostyrene

Answer

To determine which compound can produce chloropicrin when reacted with chlorine gas (Cl₂) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), we need to analyze the structure of chloropicrin and the possible reactants.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure of Chloropicrin**:
Chloropicrin is a compound with the formula CCl₃NO₂. It consists of a carbon atom bonded to three chlorine atoms and one nitro group (NO₂).

2. **Determine the Required Reactants**:
We need a compound that can provide the necessary carbon skeleton (with one carbon atom) and a nitro group (NO₂) to form chloropicrin.

3. **Examine the Options**:
We need to look at the given options to find a compound that has one carbon atom and a nitro group. The possible candidates are:
- Nitroethane (C₂H₅NO₂) - has two carbons
- Nitrobenzene (C₆H₅NO₂) - has six carbons
- Nitromethane (CH₃NO₂) - has one carbon
- Nitro phenol (C₆H₄(OH)NO₂) - has six carbons

4. **Select the Suitable Compound**:
Among the options, nitromethane (CH₃NO₂) is the only compound that contains one carbon atom and a nitro group.

5. **Reaction with Cl₂ and NaOH**:
When nitromethane reacts with Cl₂ in the presence of NaOH, the chlorine atoms will substitute the hydrogen atoms on the carbon atom of nitromethane, leading to the formation of chloropicrin. The reaction can be summarized as:
- Cl₂ + NaOH → HOCl + NaCl
- HOCl will react with nitromethane to yield chloropicrin (CCl₃NO₂).

### Conclusion:
The compound that can produce chloropicrin with Cl₂ and NaOH is **Nitromethane (CH₃NO₂)**.

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