Q18P - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

Show the products you would obtain by reduction of the following esters with LiAlH₄:

(a)                                                                  (b)    

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Product formed are:

1. 2-Methylpent-1-ol and methanol (LiAlH₄ reduction of a)

2. Benzyl alcohol and phenol (LiAlH₄ reduction of b)

Step 1: Reduction of structure given in a with LiAlH 4

Esters are easily reduced to primary alcohols using LiAlH₄. The final products forms on reduction of the given ester are 2-Methylpent-1-ol and methanol.

Step 2: Reduction of structure given in a with LiAlH 4

As esters are reduced to primary alcohols using LiAlH₄ thus the products forms on reduction of the given ester are benzyl alcohol and phenol.