MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 116: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 116
11. The reaction of formic acid with sodium borohydride will yield what final product?
- A. An aldehyde
- B. A carboxylic acid
- C. A ketone
- D. An alcohol
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The reaction of formic acid, which is a simple carboxylic acid, with sodium borohydride, which is a mild reducing agent, will result in no reaction, and therefore will result in maintenance of the carboxylic acid. Sodium borohydride is too mild to reduce carboxylic acids, and therefore cannot produce the primary alcohols that lithium aluminum hydride, a strong reducing agent, would.