The compound formed when ethanal reacts with a Grignard reagent, followed by acid hydrolysis, is

  • A. a primary alcohol
  • B. a secondary alcohol
  • C. a tertiary alcohol
  • D. a carboxylic acid

Explanation

The alkyl group of the Grignard reagent adds to the carbonyl carbon, which then carries that new group, the original methyl group, a hydrogen and a hydroxyl, making the product a secondary alcohol. Methanal would give a primary alcohol and a ketone would give a tertiary one. This makes Grignard reagents a general method for building alcohols of any class.

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