Asked in NUMS 2019 (cancelled sitting) 2019Moderate

Why is water added after the reduction process of aldehyde and ketone with LiAlH4?

Correct answer: A. Because water reacts violently with LiAlH4

  • A. Because water reacts violently with LiAlH4
  • B. Because water will protonate LiAlH4
  • C. Because water inhibits the process
  • D. Because it will result to alkenes

Explanation

This is the correct option. LiAlH₄ is a highly reactive reducing agent. When water is added to a reaction mixture containing LiAlH₄, it reacts vigorously, leading to the release of hydrogen gas and the formation of aluminum hydroxide. Therefore, water is typically added after the reduction to safely quench the reaction and convert the reaction intermediates into alcohols.

Last updated

About Reactivity of Aldehydes and Ketones

The polar carbonyl group makes aldehydes and ketones undergo nucleophilic addition, reduction and condensation reactions. Aldehydes are generally more reactive and oxidise readily to carboxylic acids, whereas ketones resist mild oxidation; reactions with hydrogen cyanide, sodium bisulfite and 2,4-DNP help identify their behaviour.

Practise Aldehydes and Ketones

679 free Aldehydes and Ketones 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