Methyl Isocyanate, the poisonous gas which was responsible for Bhopal tragedy in 1984, on alkaline hydrolysis gives

Options

A. Methylamine
B. Methyl carbamic acid
C. Ethyl amine
D. Methyl cyanide

Answer

To solve the problem regarding the alkaline hydrolysis of methyl isocyanate, we will follow a systematic approach to understand the reaction mechanism and the final products formed.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure of Methyl Isocyanate**:
- Methyl isocyanate (MIC) has the chemical structure CH3-N=C=O. It consists of a methyl group (CH3) attached to an isocyanate functional group (N=C=O).

2. **Reaction with Alkaline Hydrolysis**:
- When methyl isocyanate undergoes alkaline hydrolysis, it reacts with hydroxide ions (OH-) in the presence of water. The hydroxide ion will act as a nucleophile and attack the carbon atom of the isocyanate group.

3. **Formation of an Intermediate**:
- The attack of the hydroxide ion on the carbon of the isocyanate leads to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate. This intermediate has a negative charge on the oxygen atom.

4. **Resonance Stabilization**:
- The tetrahedral intermediate can undergo resonance. The negative charge on the oxygen can shift to form a double bond between the carbon and nitrogen, leading to a resonance structure where nitrogen carries a negative charge.

5. **Intramolecular Proton Transfer**:
- In the resonance structure, an intramolecular proton transfer can occur, stabilizing the intermediate and leading to the formation of a more stable structure.

6. **Final Hydrolysis and Product Formation**:
- Upon further hydrolysis with water, the final product is formed. The nitrogen atom in the intermediate will be protonated, resulting in the formation of methyl amine (CH3NH2) and the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas as a byproduct.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the product of the alkaline hydrolysis of methyl isocyanate is methyl amine.

### Final Answer:
The product formed from the alkaline hydrolysis of methyl isocyanate is **methyl amine (CH3NH2)**.

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