JEE Main Chemistry question

Which can reduce RCOOH → RCH₂OH?

(A)NaBH₄
(B)Na/C₂H₅OH
(C)BH₃/THF/H₃O⁺Correct
(D)H₂/catalyst

Answer: (C)

Solution

Diborane (generated/used as BH₃·THF) is notably effective at reducing carboxylic acids directly to primary alcohols (it reacts preferentially and rapidly with the acidic O–H and then delivers hydride to the carbonyl), unlike NaBH₄ (too

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Question ID VK-149468