Which of the following compounds will give a secondary alcohol after reaction with NaBH4?
Correct answer: A. CH3COCH3
- A. CH3COCH3
- B. CH3COOCH3
- C. CH3CH2CHO
- D. CH3CH2COOH
Explanation
Option A is a ketone, and its reduction (NaBH4 is a reducing agent) results in a secondary alcohol. This is because the carbonyl functional group is present in the middle of the chain so, the hydroxyl group is formed in the same place after reduction, giving a secondary alcohol.Option B is an ester, which does not undergo reduction with NaBH4.Option C is an aldehyde, that forms a primary alcohol, upon reduction, as its carbonyl group is towards the terminal end of the chain, thereby forming a terminal hydroxyl group.Option D is a carboxylic acid, which does not undergo reduction with NaBH4.
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About Alcohols and Phenols
Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary and studied through their hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation and reactions with active metals, acids and halogenating agents. Phenols require separate treatment because the hydroxyl group is attached to an aromatic ring, making their acidity and electrophilic substitution different from ordinary alcohols.
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