JEE Main2016ChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
The correct statement about the synthesis of erythritol C C H 2 O H 4 used in the preparation of PETN is
Options
- AThe synthesis requires three aldol condensations and one Cannizzaro reaction.
- BAlpha hydrogen of ethanol and methanol are involved in this reaction.
- CThe synthesis requires two aldol condensation and two Cannizzaro reactions.
- DThe synthesis requires four aldol condensations between methanol and ethanol.
Correct answer
A. The synthesis requires three aldol condensations and one Cannizzaro reaction.
Step-by-step solution
The first three steps are Aldol condensations followed by one Cannizzaro reaction step in presence of base. In final step a salt of formic acid will also be formed as side product.