JEE Main Chemistry question

Which of the following functional groups cannot be reduced to alcohol using NaBH₄ in ethanolic solution?

(A)R–O–R
(B)RCOClCorrect
(C)R–COOH
(D)R–CHO

Answer: (B)

Solution

NaBH₄ is a mild hydride donor that reduces aldehydes and ketones rapidly, and does not touch free carboxylic acids or simple ethers under any normal conditions. The key point here is the stated solvent: in ethanolic solution, an acid chloride (RCOCl) is so electrophilic that it reacts with the solvent itself (rapid

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Question ID VK-149178