Identify [ X ], the final product formed when 2 moles of Ethanal undergoes the following series of reactions with reagents [(i) to (iv)] 2 moles CH ₃- CHO [ (iii). NaBH ₄ (iv). C r₂ O₇²⁻ H⁺ ] (i). dil NaOH (ii) Heat. [ X ]

Step-by-step solution

The reaction of 2 moles of ethanal with dil. NaOH is an aldol condensation reaction. The two molecules of CH ₃ CHO undergo condensation to form 3-hydroxybutanal: CH ₃ CHO + CH ₃ CHO dil. NaOH CH ₃ CH(OH)CH ₂ CHO . Heating 3-hydroxybutanal leads to dehydration via the E1cB mechanism, resulting in the formation of an , -unsaturated aldehyde, which is but-2-enal (crotonaldehyde): CH ₃ CH(OH)CH ₂ CHO CH ₃ CH=CHCHO + H ₂ O . The reagent NaBH ₄ is a selective reducing agent that reduces the aldehyde group to a primary al