An optically active compound [ X ] (Molecular formula C ₈ H ₁₁ ~N ) reacts with CHCl ₃ / Ethanolic KOH on heating to form an isocyanide. On reaction with NaNO ₂ / HCl , it yields an alcohol with liberation of N ₂ . Identify the compound [ X ] .

Step-by-step solution

The molecular formula C ₈ H ₁₁ N corresponds to a degree of unsaturation of 8 - 11 2 + 1 2 + 1 = 4 . This indicates the presence of a benzene ring. The reaction with CHCl ₃ / KOH (carbylamine test) indicates that [ X ] is a primary amine. The reaction with NaNO ₂ / HCl yielding an alcohol with the liberation of N ₂ is characteristic of aliphatic primary amines, as aromatic primary amines form diazonium salts which are stable at low temperatures. Among the options, 1-phenylethanamine ( C ₆ H ₅ CH ( NH ₂) CH ₃ ) is a