Carboxylic acid on reduction with HI / phosphorus yields
Correct answer: A. alkane
- A. alkane
- B. alcohols
- C. aldehydes
- D. ketones
Explanation
When a carboxylic acid reacts with HI and phosphorus, it undergoes exhaustive reduction, meaning the carbonyl group (-COOH) is completely replaced by three hydrogen atoms (-CH₃). This process, also known as Clemmensen reduction, can be represented by the general equation:R-COOH + 4HI + P → R-CH₃ + H₂O + I₄P₂OHere, R represents the alkyl group of the carboxylic acid. With the addition of three hydrogen atoms, the carboxylic acid is completely saturated and transformed into an alkane. The original carbon chain length is retained, but the functional group is no longer present.
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About Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic acids are named and studied through the combined effects of the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, their preparation, acidity and hydrogen bonding. Reactions include neutralisation, esterification, reduction and conversion into acid chlorides, anhydrides, esters and amides, with emphasis on how these derivatives interconvert.
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