Answer: Primary alcohol.
- A Primary alcohol
- B Secondary alcohol
- C Tertiary alcohol
- D Ester
Correct answer: A. Primary alcohol
Explanation: Formaldehyde has only one carbon; addition of RMgX followed by hydrolysis gives a primary alcohol RCH<sub>2</sub>OH.
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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