MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction sequence involves the formation of a Grignard reagent followed by its reaction with an alcohol. Step 1: The reactant 2-chlorobutane reacts with magnesium (Mg) in the presence of dry ether to form a Grignard reagent, sec-butylmagnesium chloride (A). CH_3-CH_2-CH(Cl)-CH_3 Mg, Dry ether CH_3-CH_2-CH(MgCl)-CH_3 Step 2: Grignard reagents are strong bases and react vigorously with compounds containing acidic hydrogen atoms, such as alcohols, water, and amines, to form alkanes. Ethanol (C_2H_5OH) provides an acidic proton. The sec-butylmagnesium chloride abstracts a proton from ethanol to form butane (B) and an alkoxide salt. CH_3-CH_2-CH(MgCl)-CH_3 + C_2H_5OH CH_3-CH_2-CH_2-CH_3 + Mg(OC_2H_5)Cl Therefore, the final product 'B' is butane, which corresponds to the skeletal structure shown in the second option.