Moderate

Which of the following reagents will reduce butanoic acid to butanol?

Correct answer: A. LiAlH4

  • A. LiAlH4
  • B. NaBH4
  • C. LiAlH4.H2O
  • D. Both A and B

Explanation

LiAlH4 is a powerful reducing agent that can reduce. carboxylic acids to primary alcohols, such as converting butanoic acid to butanol, This occurs because LiAlH4 can donate hydrides that are capable of reducing the carboxyl. group. On the other hand, NaBH4 is not strong enough to reduce carboxylic acids; it is typically used for reducing aldehydes and ketones. LIAlH4 in the presence of water will decompose and cannot be used effectively for this reduction.

Last updated

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.

Practise Carboxylic Acids

550 free Carboxylic Acids MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this

Chemistry is on 12 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions