Primary nitro compounds react with nitrous acid to form nitrolic acids which dissolve in \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) giving: (a) Red solution (b) Blue solution (c) Yellow solution (d) Colourless solution

Primary nitro compounds are organic molecules that feature a nitro group (o_2o) attached to a primary carbon, which is a carbon atom bonded to only one other carbon atom. They are a fundamental class of nitro compounds with a general structure where the nitro group is directly attached to a carbon that is part of an alkyl chain.

These compounds are significant in organic chemistry due to their reactivity and utility in further chemical transformations. One of the key reactions involving primary nitro compounds is their ability to react with nitrous acid, leading to the formation of various products, one of which are nitrolic acids. Understanding the behavior of primary nitro compounds in reactions helps in synthesizing a wide range of chemicals including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and polymers.

The reaction between primary nitro compounds and nitrous acid is an essential organic reaction. Nitrous acid (oh) is a weak, unstable acid typically generated in situ by acidifying nitrites, and it is known for its role in diazotization reactions in the field of organic chemistry.

When primary nitro compounds are treated with nitrous acid, the expected chemical transformation leads to the formation of nitrolic acids. This process is quite useful for the identification of primary nitro compounds, as it involves a distinctive reaction mechanic related to the nitro group's interaction with nitrous acid. Students should recognize the specific conditions under which nitrous acid reacts, such as low temperature and acidic environment, for successful execution of the reaction.

Nitrolic acids are the products formed when primary nitro compounds react with nitrous acid. These acids are characterized by their ability to form deeply colored solutions upon reaction with alkaline substances like sodium hydroxide (oh).

They contain both a nitro group and a hydroxyl group attached to the same carbon atom, creating a distinct functionality. The distinctive structural feature of nitrolic acids makes them reactive and allows them to undergo further chemical transformations. Moreover, nitrolic acids play a pivotal role in analytical chemistry as they can be used for qualitative tests, particularly in detecting the presence of primary nitro compounds.

Color change reactions are a visually striking aspect of chemical reactions that are often used as indicators of certain chemical processes, including the reaction between primary nitro compounds and nitrous acid. Upon dissolving nitrolic acids in sodium hydroxide, a chemical reaction occurs that leads to a noticeable color change in the solution.

In the specific textbook exercise, the dissolution of nitrolic acids in oh leads to the formation of a blue solution, showcasing that a salt of the nitrolic acid is formed which exhibits this distinct color in an alkaline environment. This vivid color change isn't just of academic interest but serves practical purposes in dye production and as a visual aid for understanding reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry labs.