How will you convert:

Hexanenitrile into 1-aminopentane


Explanation: The structure of Hexanenitrile is CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CN or C5H11CN. To convert Hexanenitrile into 1-aminopentane, first we need hexanamide (amide group-RCONH2) and we can get hexanamide from hexanoyl chloride (acid chloride group – RCOCl) and we can get hexanoyl chloride from hexanoic acid.


Step 1: Convert Hexanenitrile into Hexanoic acid


Hexanenitrile (C5H11CN) undergoes hydrolysis to form Hexanoic acid (C5H11COOH)


Step 2: Convert Hexanoic acid into hexanoyl chloride


Hexanoic acid (C5H11COOH) reacts with thionyl chloride (SOCl2) or PCl5 or PCl3 to form hexanoyl chloride (C5H11COCl) by the replacement of OH group by Cl atom.


Step 3: Convert Hexanoyl chloride into hexanamide


Hexanoyl chloride (C5H11COCl) reacts with excess ammonia to form hexanamide (C5H11CONH2) by the removal of NH4Cl.


Step 4: Convert hexanamide into 1- amino pentane by Hoffman Bromamide reaction)


Hexanamide (C5H11CONH2) is treated with an aqueous or ethanolic solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and bromine (Br2), it gives 1-aminopentane (final product) which has one carbon atom less than the hexanamide.


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