What is the product of the reduction of a ketone?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a ketone is reduced, it forms a secondary alcohol. This is because the carbonyl group in a ketone is not at the end of the carbon chain, so reduction with a reducing agent like NaBH4 or LiAlH4 adds a hydrogen atom to the carbonyl group, creating a secondary alcohol. Choice A is incorrect because reduction of aldehydes (not ketones) forms primary alcohols. Choice C is incorrect because reduction of carboxylic acids (not ketones) would form a primary alcohol. Choice D is incorrect because oxidation (not reduction) of aldehydes and primary alcohols forms carboxylic acids. Choice E is incorrect because it does not involve any reduction of the carbonyl group in a ketone.

What Is the Product of the Reduction of a Ketone