Which of the following will increase the yield of carboxylic acid formed from a nitrile group-containing compound, using a mechanism similar to the Strecker synthesis?

1) Use a stronger nucleophile, like a Grignard Reagent, instead of H₂O.
2) Attach an electron-withdrawing group to the carbon of the nitrile group.
3) Use a stronger electrophile, like a Grignard Reagent, instead of H₂O.
4) Attach an electron-donating group to the carbon of the nitrile group.

The most effective method to increase the yield of carboxylic acid from a nitrile is to attach an electron withdrawing group to the carbon of the nitrile group. This makes the carbon more electrophilic and responsive to nucleophilic attack, which facilitates the hydrolysis process. Thus, the option 2) Attach an electron withdrawing group to the carbon of the nitrile group is the correct answer.

Explanation:

The question asks which method will increase the yield of carboxylic acid formed from a nitrile group-containing compound, with options related to the mechanism similar to the Strecker synthesis. To increase the yield of carboxylic acid from a nitrile, it is essential to understand both the Strecker synthesis mechanism and the nature of nitriles in reactions. Strecker synthesis is used primarily for amino acid synthesis, but the hydrolysis of nitriles to carboxylic acids shares some mechanistic similarities, particularly in the intermediate formation steps.

Therefore, the most effective method to increase the yield of carboxylic acid would be to attach an electron withdrawing group to the carbon of the nitrile group. Thus, the option 2) Attach an electron withdrawing group to the carbon of the nitrile group is the correct answer.