Answer: ethanoic acid.
- A phenol
- B ethanoic acid
- C ethanol
- D propanone
Correct answer: B. ethanoic acid
Explanation: Only carboxylic acids are acidic enough to displace CO2 from sodium bicarbonate; phenol and alcohols are not.
Curved arrows show the nucleophile attacking the carbonyl carbon while the C=O pi electrons move onto oxygen, giving a tetrahedral alkoxide intermediate.
Concept context
Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives (esters, amides, acid chlorides). Key reactions include nucleophilic addition, Aldol condensation, Cannizzaro, and Claisen. Very heavily tested in JEE and NEET.
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