Suggest an appropriate reducing reagent for the following substrates and predict the product of the reactions :
(a) 2-hexanone
(b) ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate (reduction of the nitro group)
(c) hexanal
NaBH4 reduces ketones(a) and aldehydes(c).
This site gives reduction to varying products of the nitro group.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reduction_of_nitro_compounds
2-hexanone + LiAlH4
Hexanal + NaBH4
To suggest an appropriate reducing reagent for each substrate and predict the products of the reactions, we need to consider the functional groups present and the conditions required for reduction.
(a) 2-hexanone:
2-hexanone is a ketone, and one common reducing reagent for ketones is sodium borohydride (NaBH4). When NaBH4 is used as a reducing agent, it donates a hydride ion (H-) to the carbonyl carbon of the ketone, leading to the formation of an alcohol. In this case, 2-hexanone would be reduced to 2-hexanol.
(b) Ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate (reduction of the nitro group):
Ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate contains a nitro group. Reduction of the nitro group can be achieved using a variety of reducing agents, including metal catalysts, such as palladium or platinum, along with hydrogen gas (H2), or a combination of a reducing agent like iron or zinc with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). These conditions lead to the replacement of the nitro group with an amino group (–NH2). So, in this case, reduction of the nitro group in ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate would produce ethyl 4-aminobenzoate.
(c) Hexanal:
Hexanal is an aldehyde. Aldehydes can be reduced to primary alcohols using various reducing agents. One commonly used reducing agent is lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4). LiAlH4 donates a hydride ion (H-) to the carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde, resulting in the formation of a primary alcohol. Therefore, reduction of hexanal with LiAlH4 would yield hexanol.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and the choice of reducing agent may depend on various factors, including the specific reaction conditions, desired yield, and selectivity. It is always recommended to consult relevant literature or experienced chemists for specific reactions and reagents.