What is the major product obtained from the following reactions ?
`HOCH_(2)overset(O)overset(||)(C)OH overset(SOCl_(2))to overset(CH_(3)OH)to`

Options

A. `HOCH_(2)COOCH_(3)`
B. `CH_(3)OCH_(2)COOCH_(3)`
C. `ClCH_(2)COOCH_(3)`
D. `CH_(3)COCH_(2)COOH`

Answer

To determine the major product from the given reactions, let's break down the steps involved in the reaction systematically.

### Step 1: Identify the Starting Compound
The starting compound is a carbonyl compound with the following structure:
- Hydroxymethyl group (HOCH₂)
- A carbonyl group (C=O)
- A hydroxyl group (OH)

This compound can be represented as HOCH₂-C(=O)-OH.

### Step 2: Reaction with SOCl₂
When the compound reacts with thionyl chloride (SOCl₂), the hydroxyl (OH) groups will be converted to chlorides (Cl). The reaction can be summarized as follows:
- The hydroxyl group (OH) on the carbonyl compound is replaced by a chlorine atom (Cl).

After this reaction, the structure will be:
- HOCH₂-C(=O)-Cl

### Step 3: Nucleophilic Attack by Methanol
Next, methanol (CH₃OH) acts as a nucleophile. The oxygen in methanol has a lone pair of electrons, which can attack the electrophilic carbonyl carbon (C=O) in the compound formed in Step 2.

The nucleophilic attack can be represented as:
- CH₃OH attacks the carbonyl carbon, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate.

### Step 4: Elimination of Chloride Ion
In the tetrahedral intermediate, the chlorine atom (Cl) is a good leaving group. Thus, it can leave, resulting in the formation of an ester. The reaction can be summarized as follows:
- The tetrahedral intermediate collapses, and the chloride ion (Cl⁻) is expelled.

### Step 5: Formation of the Ester Product
After the elimination of the chloride ion, the final product is an ester. The structure of the ester formed will be:
- CH₃-O-C(=O)-CH₂OH

This can be simplified to:
- CH₃O-C(=O)-CH₂OH, which is methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate.

### Final Product
The major product obtained from the reaction is:
- Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate.

### Summary of Steps:
1. Identify the starting compound.
2. React with SOCl₂ to convert OH to Cl.
3. Nucleophilic attack by methanol (CH₃OH).
4. Elimination of chloride ion (Cl⁻).
5. Formation of the ester product.