Ethanal reacts with CH3CH2Mg Br the product formed is:

Correct answer: C. CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3

  • A. CH3CH2OH
  • B. CH3CH2CHO
  • C. CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3
  • D. CH3CH2CH2OH

Explanation

The correct answer is CH3CH(OH)CH2CH3. In this Grignard reaction, the ethyl group from the Grignard reagent (CH3CH2MgBr) adds to the carbonyl carbon of ethanal (CH3CHO), forming a secondary alcohol after hydrolysis. The process involves the nucleophilic attack of the Grignard reagent on the carbonyl carbon, followed by protonation during the workup step. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they either represent unreacted starting materials or products with incorrect structures not formed in this reaction.

This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2016 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.

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About Nucleophilic Addition Reactions

Nucleophilic addition occurs at the polar carbonyl group of aldehydes and ketones, where a nucleophile attacks the electron-deficient carbon atom. Reactions with hydrogen cyanide, sodium bisulfite, alcohols and Grignard reagents are explained through tetrahedral intermediates, acid or base catalysis, and the different reactivity of aldehydes and ketones.

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