If a simple ester with the general formula undergoes complete chemical reduction using a strong exce — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
If a simple ester with the general formula $RCOOR'$ undergoes complete chemical reduction using a strong excess of Lithium Aluminium Hydride ($LiAlH_4$), what is the total number of discrete alcohol molecules produced per single molecule of the starting ester?
Answer: 2
💡 Solution & Explanation
Reduction of an ester cleaves the internal ester linkage. The acyl portion ($-CO-R$) is fully reduced down to a primary alcohol ($R-CH_2OH$), while the alkoxy leaving group portion ($-OR'$) is released as a second alcohol ($R'OH$). This results in a total of 2 alcohol molecules.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes