Identify the reagent X in the given reaction: RCOOH + X Conc. H ₂ SO ₄ RNH ₂

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction is the Schmidt reaction. In this reaction, a carboxylic acid reacts with hydrazoic acid ( HN ₃ ) in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid to form a primary amine with one carbon atom less than the original carboxylic acid. RCOOH + HN ₃ Conc. H ₂ SO ₄ RNH ₂ + CO ₂ + N ₂ Therefore, the reagent X is HN ₃ . Answer: HN ₃