Which of the following D-aldoses will produce an optically inactive product when treated with NaBH₄/H₂O?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reduction of an aldehyde group in the presence of NaBH4 leads to the formation of a mixture of R and S enantiomers. However, the reduction of an aldehyde group in the presence of NaBD4 leads to the formation of optically inactive products due to the isotopic exchange of the deuterium with the hydrogens in the carbonyl group. Therefore, the reduction of aldose III with NaBHSO4/HSO3 produces an optically inactive product.

Which of the Following D-Aldoses Will Produce an Optically Inactive