Question

How will convert the mathanoic acid into ethanoic acid

Answer 1

HELLO THERE!

It is a step wise process to convert methanoic acid to ethanoic acid (or, formic acid to acetic acid if you go by their common names).

First, convert Methanoic acid to Methanol by reacting it with LAH (Lithium Aluminium Hydride, LiAlH₄).

Reaction: HCOOH + LiAlH₄ ------> CH₃OH

Second, this methanol can be converted to alkyl halide (methyl halide) using suitable reagents like HBr, KCl, etc:

Reaction: HBr + CH₃OH ----> CH₃Br + H₂O

Third, this methyl bromide can be treated with Potassium Cyanide (KCN) to yield CH₃CN:

Reaction: KCN + CH₃Br ------> CH₃CN + KBr

Now, CH₃CN, on hydrolysis, gives acetic acid.

CH₃CN -----(H⁺)-----> CH₃COOH

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