Question

Identify the product (P) in the following reaction:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Answer 2

The given reaction is an example of the Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky (HVZ) reaction, which selectively brominates the $\alpha$-carbon of carboxylic acids in the presence of Br$_2$ and red phosphorus. The reaction mechanism involves the formation of an $\alpha$-brominated carboxylic acid.
$\text{COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{Br}_2/\text{Red P}} \text{COOH-Br} \xrightarrow{\text{H}_2\text{O}} \text{COOH-Br (Product)}$
Thus, the product formed is the $\alpha$-bromo derivative of the given carboxylic acid.