Question

How will you convert ethanal into the following compounds?

(i) Butane-1, 3-diol (ii) But-2-enal (iii) But-2-enoic acid

Answer 1

(i) On treatment with dilute alkali, ethanal produces 3-hydroxybutanal gives butane-1, 3-diol on reduction.

(ii) On treatment with dilute alkali, ethanal gives 3-hydroxybutanal which on heating produces but-2-enal.

(iii) When treated with Tollen’s reagent, But-2-enal produced in the above reaction produces but-2-enoic acid .