Chemistry - Carboxylic acid and their Derivatives Question with Solution | TestHub

Question Explanation:

X is chiral, has formula ${\mathbf{C}}_4{\mathbf{H}}_8{\mathbf{O}}_3$, and releases ${\mathbf{CO}}_2$ with ${\mathbf{NaHCO}}_3$, so it is a carboxylic acid. Reduction with ${\mathrm{LiAlH}}_4$ converts -COOH to $-{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{OH}$, causing loss of chirality. Concept:

This question is based on reduction of carboxylic acids by ${\mathrm{LiAlH}}_4$ and the effect of reduction on molecular chirality. Solution:

The given data are consistent with 3-Hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid , which contains a chiral carbon . Upon reduction with LiAlH₄ , the –COOH group is converted to –CH₂OH , resulting in a molecule with two identical –CH₂OH groups attached to the same carbon , making the product achiral .