What are the products of the reaction between a ketone and lithium aluminium hydride followed by acid workup?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking about the products formed from the reaction of a ketone with lithium aluminium hydride, which is a reducing agent, followed by an acid workup. This typically results in the formation of an alcohol, and the type of alcohol depends on the nature of the ketone.

More Information

Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) is a strong reducing agent used to convert ketones into secondary alcohols. The reaction consists of two steps: the initial reduction creating an alkoxide, and then an acid workup step which converts the alkoxide into an alcohol.

Tips

A common mistake is assuming LiAlH4 will reduce ketones to primary alcohols, but this is incorrect; it yields secondary alcohols.

Sources

• LiAlH4 - Lithium Aluminum Hydride - masterorganicchemistry.com
• 19.7: Nucleophilic Addition of Hydride and Grignard Reagents - chem.libretexts.org