Reduction of aldehydes and ketones is a A)one-step reaction involving the H^- ion. B)one-step reaction involving the H⁺ ion. C)two-step reaction involving the H^- and H⁺ ions. D)two-step reaction involving the OH^- and H⁺ ions. E)two-step reaction involving the H^- and OH^- ions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reduction of aldehydes and ketones involves a two-step reaction. The first step involves the addition of a hydride ion (H-) from a reducing agent such as NaBH4 or LiAlH4 to the carbonyl carbon, forming an unstable intermediate called an alkoxide ion. In the second step, the alkoxide ion deprotonates the reducing agent, forming an alcohol and regenerating the reducing agent. The net result is the addition of two hydride ions to the carbonyl carbon, reducing the aldehyde or ketone to an alcohol. The two-step reaction involves the H^- and H⁺ ions.

Reduction of Aldehydes and Ketones Is a