Ethane nitrile to ethanol: convert?

To convert ethane nitrile (also known as ethyl cyanide or propionitrile) to ethanol, you can follow a series of chemical reactions that involve hydrolysis and reduction. Let’s break down the process step by step.

Understanding Ethane Nitrile

Ethane nitrile has the chemical formula C2H5CN. It consists of an ethyl group (C2H5) attached to a nitrile group (CN). The nitrile group is a carbon triple-bonded to nitrogen, which makes it a good candidate for hydrolysis, where water is used to break chemical bonds.

Step 1: Hydrolysis of Ethane Nitrile

The first step in converting ethane nitrile to ethanol involves hydrolysis. This reaction can be performed under acidic or basic conditions. In this process, the nitrile group is converted into a carboxylic acid. Here’s how it works:

• When ethane nitrile is treated with water (H2O) in the presence of an acid (like HCl) or a base (like NaOH), the nitrile group undergoes hydrolysis.
• The reaction produces propanoic acid (C2H5COOH) as an intermediate product.

Step 2: Reduction of Propanoic Acid to Ethanol

Once you have propanoic acid, the next step is to reduce it to ethanol. This can be achieved using various reducing agents. A common method is:

• Using lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) or borane (BH3) as reducing agents, propanoic acid can be converted to ethanol.
• The reaction involves the addition of hydrogen to the carbonyl group of the carboxylic acid, effectively reducing it to an alcohol.

Overall Reaction Summary

In summary, the conversion of ethane nitrile to ethanol can be represented by the following overall reaction:

• Ethane Nitrile (C2H5CN) + H2O → Propanoic Acid (C2H5COOH)
• Propanoic Acid (C2H5COOH) + [H] (from reducing agent) → Ethanol (C2H5OH)

Practical Considerations

When performing these reactions in a laboratory setting, it’s important to consider factors such as temperature, pressure, and the choice of solvent, as they can significantly affect the yield and rate of the reactions. Additionally, safety precautions should be taken when handling strong acids and reducing agents, as they can be hazardous.

Conclusion

By following these steps—hydrolyzing ethane nitrile to form propanoic acid and then reducing that acid to ethanol—you can successfully convert ethane nitrile into ethanol. This process not only illustrates fundamental organic chemistry principles but also highlights the versatility of functional group transformations in synthetic chemistry.