A molecule contains both a carboxylic acid () group and an ester () group. Which specialized reducin — Aldehydes 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.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes