Answer: ethanol.
- A ethanol
- B ethanal
- C ethane
- D ethene
Correct answer: A. ethanol
Explanation: LiAlH<sub>4</sub> is powerful enough to reduce a carboxylic acid all the way to a primary alcohol, so acetic acid gives ethanol.
Curved arrows show the nucleophile attacking the carbonyl carbon while the C=O pi electrons move onto oxygen, giving a tetrahedral alkoxide intermediate.
Concept context
Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives (esters, amides, acid chlorides). Key reactions include nucleophilic addition, Aldol condensation, Cannizzaro, and Claisen. Very heavily tested in JEE and NEET.
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