Question

Anhydrides undergo nucleophilic acyl substitution and are cleaved into two molecules. What is the process called?

1) Hydrolysis
2) Condensation
3) Reduction
4) Oxidation

Answer 1

Anhydrides are cleaved into two molecules through a process known as hydrolysis, which is a type of nucleophilic acyl substitution reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process by which anhydrides undergo nucleophilic acyl substitution and are cleaved into two molecules is called hydrolysis. Nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions involve a nucleophile attacking the carbonyl carbon of an acyl group, leading to the substitution of the leaving group. Acid anhydrides react readily in such a manner with water, alcohols, amines, and other nucleophiles, resulting in products such as carboxylic acids, esters, and amides. The cleavage of anhydrides by water to yield two carboxylic acids is a specific example of such a hydrolysis reaction.