Identify the major product obtained from the following reaction.

Step-by-step solution

The given reactant is serine hydrochloride, which contains three acidic functional groups: a carboxylic acid group ( -COOH ), a protonated amino group ( -NH₃^+ ), and a hydroxyl group ( -OH ). The acidic strength of these groups follows the order: -COOH > -NH₃^+ > -OH . Their approximate pK_a values are 2.2 , 9.2 , and 13-14 , respectively. When 1 mole of a strong base like NaOH is added, it will deprotonate the most acidic proton first. Since the -COOH group is the most acidic, it will lose a proton to form a carb