The reaction scheme below shows some reaction conversions of organic molecules.
Which is the correct combination of process and compounds for this scheme?
A. process T: reduction; compound W: ester; compound X: amide
B. process T: reduction; compound W: ketone; compound X: nitrile
C. process T: oxidation; compound W: ester; compound X: amide
D. process T: reduction; compound W: ketone; compound X: amide
E. process T: oxidation; compound W: ester; compound X: nitrile
Process T is an oxidation reaction; when you oxidize a primary alcohol, a carboxylic acid should be formed.
We can hence narrow down our answer to C or E.
Both options state the obvious, which is that the reaction between a carboxylic acid and alcohol should form an ester (Compound W).
The differentiation should be at the reaction of ammonia and a carboxylic acid. Here, Compound X is an amide.
When adding alcohol to a carboxylic acid, it forms an ester.
When adding ammonia to a carboxylic acid, it forms an amide.
The answer is therefore, C.