Question:
How will you convert ethanal into the following compounds?
(i) Butane-1, 3-diol
(ii) But-2-enal
(iii) But-2-enoic acid
Solution:
(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 .
