MCAT Biology : Reduction Reactions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Reaction Mechanisms

What reagent would be best suited to accomplish the transformation shown below?

Mcat_5

Possible Answers:

Methyl magnesium bromide, \(\displaystyle MeMgBr\)

\(\displaystyle NaBH_4\)

\(\displaystyle LiAlH_4\)

\(\displaystyle H_2\ \textup{and}\ Pd\)

\(\displaystyle Zn\ \textup{and}\ HCl\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle LiAlH_4\)

Explanation:

Reduction of an ester to an alcohol requires a strong reducing agent, such as \(\displaystyle \small LiAlH_4\).

\(\displaystyle \small NaBH_4\) is not a strong enough reducing agent for this reaction. Hydrogenation and reaction with zinc would reduce the nitro group to an amino group instead of affecting the carboxylic acid. \(\displaystyle \small MeMgBr\) is a Grignard reagent, and would not function as a reducing agent.

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