Question

The product formed in the following chemical reaction is:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the product of the given chemical reaction, we need to understand the role of the reagents and the nature of the reaction.

The reaction involves the reduction of a compound by sodium borohydride (\(NaBH_4\)) in ethanol (\(C_2H_5OH\)). Sodium borohydride is a common reagent used for the reduction of ketones and aldehydes to alcohols.

Here, the reactant is a diketone compound with two carbonyl groups (\(C=O\)). Sodium borohydride selectively reduces carbonyl groups to alcohols.

Let us see how each carbonyl group is transformed:

1. The first ketone group in the ring is reduced to a secondary alcohol,.
2. The second ketone (acetyl group) outside the ring is also reduced to a secondary alcohol.

Therefore, the expected reaction transforms both carbonyl groups into their respective alcohols.

The correct product, represented in the correct option above, shows both ketone groups reduced to alcohols.

Key takeaway: \(NaBH_4\) effectively reduces carbonyl compounds to alcohols, a crucial concept in understanding organic synthesis reactions.