What product is formed when Benzamide is heated in the presence of hydronium ions (H3O+)?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is option 1. Benzoic acid.
When benzamide is heated in the presence of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺), it undergoes acid hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of an amide in acidic conditions typically results in the formation of a carboxylic acid and ammonium ion. Here’s the reaction in detail:
Reaction: Acid Hydrolysis of Benzamide:
Mechanism:
The hydronium ion protonates the carbonyl oxygen of benzamide, making the carbonyl carbon more electrophilic. Water, acting as a nucleophile, attacks the electrophilic carbonyl carbon, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate. This intermediate collapses, resulting in the release of the ammonia (NH₃), and forming benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH) after proton transfer.
Conclusion: The product formed when benzamide is heated in the presence of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) is benzoic acid. Therefore, the correct answer is Benzoic acid.