Main product of the reaction, `CH_(3)CONH_(2) + HNO_(2)to`

Options

A. `CH_(3)NH_(2)`
B. `CH_(3)CH_(2)NH_(2)`
C. `CH_(3)COOH`
D. `CH_(3)OH`

Answer

To determine the main product of the reaction between acetamide (CH₃CONH₂) and nitrous acid (HNO₂), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactants in this reaction are acetamide (CH₃CONH₂) and nitrous acid (HNO₂).

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Mechanism
When acetamide reacts with nitrous acid, a process called diazotization occurs. In this reaction, the amide group (–NH₂) of acetamide is converted into a diazonium salt, which is unstable and will decompose.

### Step 3: Reaction with Nitrous Acid
The nitrous acid (HNO₂) reacts with the amide group to form an intermediate that eventually leads to the release of nitrogen gas (N₂) and the formation of an aldehyde.

### Step 4: Identify the Products
Upon heating, the main products formed from this reaction are:
- Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO)
- Nitrogen gas (N₂)
- Water (H₂O)

### Step 5: Write the Balanced Reaction
The overall reaction can be summarized as:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{CONH}_2 + \text{HNO}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{heat}} \text{CH}_3\text{CHO} + \text{N}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

### Conclusion
The main product of the reaction between acetamide and nitrous acid is acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO).

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