Identify X in the reaction ` HCHO + CH_(3)Mgloverset("dry ether")to "Intermediate" overset(H_(2) "O"//H^(+)) to X ` :

Options

A. `CH_(3) OH`
B. `CH_(3) CH_(2) OH`
C. `CH_(3) COCH_(3)`
D. `CH_(3)OCH_(3)`

Answer

To identify X in the given reaction:

1. **Identify the Reactants**: The reaction involves formaldehyde (HCHO) and a Grignard reagent (CH3MgI) in dry ether.

2. **Understand the Role of Grignard Reagent**: The Grignard reagent acts as a nucleophile. In this case, CH3- (methyl group) will attack the electrophilic carbon in the carbonyl group of formaldehyde.

3. **Nucleophilic Addition Reaction**: The nucleophilic methyl group (CH3-) attacks the carbon atom of the carbonyl group (C=O) in formaldehyde. This results in the formation of an alkoxide intermediate. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ HCHO + CH_3MgI \rightarrow [CH_3CH(OH)O^-Mg^+I] \]
Here, the oxygen atom becomes negatively charged while the magnesium halide (MgI) remains associated with the oxygen.

4. **Formation of the Intermediate**: The intermediate formed is a magnesium alkoxide, which can be represented as:
\[ CH_3CH(OH)O^-Mg^+I \]

5. **Hydrolysis of the Intermediate**: The intermediate undergoes hydrolysis in acidic conditions (H2O/H+). During hydrolysis, water adds to the alkoxide, converting it into an alcohol. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ [CH_3CH(OH)O^-Mg^+I] + H_2O \rightarrow CH_3CH_2OH + Mg(OH)I \]

6. **Identify the Product (X)**: The product formed after hydrolysis is ethanol (CH3CH2OH). Therefore, X is identified as:
\[ X = CH_3CH_2OH \]

### Final Answer:
X is ethanol (CH3CH2OH).