Chapter 18.4, Problem 5P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The preparation of $\text{2-}$ butanone by a procedure in which all of the carbons originate in acetic acid $\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}\text{H}\right)$ is to be shown. Also, the synthesis of $\text{2-methyl-4-heptanone}$ from two $\text{4-}$ carbon alcohols is to be proposed.

Concept introduction:

The carboxylic acids contain carboxylic $\left(\text{COOH}\right)$ functional group in their parent chain and are reduced by with the help of strong reducing agents such as lithium aluminum hydride, ${\text{LiAlH}}_{\text{4}}$, which has the ability to provide a hydride ion.

Aldehydes and ketones contain carbonyl $\left(\text{C=O}\right)$ functional group in their parent chain. The addition of ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ to a molecule in the presence of a catalyst is known as catalytic hydrogenation reaction. This process is used to reduce aldehydes and ketones to alcohols.

Lithium aluminum hydride and sodium borohydride are strong reducing agents. They are inorganic compounds which are used as the reducing agents in organic synthesis. They are used for the conversion of carboxylic acids, aldehydes and ketones into primary and secondary alcohols.