Question 67 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Ammonia):** Ethylene cyanohydrin (3-hydroxypropanenitrile) is an organic compound containing both an alcohol (-OH) group and a nitrile ($\text{-C}\equiv \text{N}$) group. The key reaction path for compatibility is the reaction of the nitrile group with ammonia, especially under suitable conditions (e.g., heat and pressure, often with a catalyst like Raney nickel). The reaction of a nitrile with ammonia is a standard method for producing the corresponding primary amine by reduction (a reductive amination process). Specifically, the reduction of ethylene cyanohydrin with ammonia yields 3-aminopropanol (or other related polyamines depending on stoichiometry and conditions). Since ethylene cyanohydrin is often used as an intermediate in the synthesis of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and other fine chemicals, and ammonia is a common nucleophile, they are considered chemically compatible in the context of synthesis and conversion. Furthermore, the hydroxyl group does not interfere destructively with ammonia under standard conditions. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) Sulfuric acid:** Sulfuric acid ($\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$) is a strong acid and a powerful dehydrating agent. When ethylene cyanohydrin is heated with strong acids, the nitrile group is readily hydrolyzed to a carboxylic acid group (3-hydroxypropanoic acid), and depending on temperature, dehydration and polymerization side reactions can occur. Compatibility usually implies the ability to coexist or react in a controlled, non-destructive manner; the strong hydrolytic and dehydrating nature of concentrated sulfuric acid makes it reactive rather than simply compatible, and often leads to decomposition or undesired side products. * **B) Isocyanates:** Isocyanates ($\text{R}-\text{N}=\text{C}=\text{O}$) react readily with compounds containing active hydrogens, such as alcohols and amines, to form urethanes and ureas, respectively. Ethylene cyanohydrin contains a primary alcohol group (-OH). The reaction between the hydroxyl group of ethylene cyanohydrin and an isocyanate would form a urethane (carbamic ester). While this is a common and useful synthetic reaction, the term "compatible" often implies a desired intermediate step or mild coexistence. In many chemical contexts, a rapid and strong reaction (like the formation of a urethane) means the two chemicals are highly reactive with each other, rather than generally compatible in terms of storage or selective processing. * **C) Nitric acid:** Nitric acid ($\text{HNO}_3$) is a strong oxidizing acid. While it can also hydrolyze the nitrile group (similar to sulfuric acid), its primary concern is its strong oxidizing potential, which can lead to uncontrolled decomposition, nitration (if conditions allow), and degradation of the organic structure, making it incompatible for most controlled synthetic purposes.