Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic AcidshardMCQ SINGLE⭐ Must-Do

A molecule contains both a carboxylic acid () group and an ester () group. Which specialized reducinAldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question

Question

A molecule contains both a carboxylic acid ($-COOH$) group and an ester ($-COOR$) group. Which specialized reducing agent must be used to selectively reduce only the acid to a primary alcohol?

Answer: D

💡 Solution & Explanation

$NaBH_4$ is too weak for acids. $LiAlH_4$ is a harsh agent that will indiscriminately reduce both the acid and the ester. Diborane ($B_2H_6$) is a highly selective electrophilic reducing agent that easily reduces $-COOH$ without touching esters.

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