Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryAmines
Identify the incorrect statement among the following:
Options
- ALiAlH ₄ cannot reduce the - NO ₂ group.
- BThe order of the reduction reaction by LiAlH ₄ and that of the reduction by NaBH ₄ is two in each case.
- CIn spite of a very small rate constant for the reduction of any carbonyl function other than aldehydes and ket
- DThe Al - H bond is more ionic than the B - H bond, and hence LiAlH ₄ can produce a larger concentration of hyd
Correct answer
A. LiAlH ₄ cannot reduce the - NO ₂ group.
Step-by-step solution
LiAlH ₄ is a strong reducing agent that can reduce the - NO ₂ group. It reduces aliphatic nitro compounds to primary amines and aromatic nitro compounds to azo compounds. Therefore, the statement that LiAlH ₄ cannot reduce the - NO ₂ group is incorrect. The reduction of carbonyl compounds by complex metal hydrides like LiAlH ₄ and NaBH ₄ follows second-order kinetics, being first order with respect to the substrate and first order with respect to the reducing agent. Aluminum is less electronegative than boron, maki