Question detail
Which reagent is commonly used to convert a ketone to a primary alcohol via nucleophilic addition?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
Question
- A. A hydride ion (e.g., LiAlH4).
- B. A Grignard reagent (e.g., CH3MgBr).
- C. A cyanide ion (e.g., NaCN).
- D. A carboxylate ion (e.g., NaOAc).
Answer
A hydride ion (e.g., LiAlH4).
Explanation
The correct option is A hydride ion (e.g., LiAlH4).. A hydride ion (e.g., LiAlH4). is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to outline nucleophilic addition reactions of carbonyl compounds. This reasoning is anchored to Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only) in Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only), and it separates carbonyl from similar A-Level ideas rather than relying on a vague recall statement. Other options are weaker if they use the wrong evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, unit, or conclusion for this subtopic.
Common mistake
Misidentifying Nucleophiles
Students often confuse nucleophiles with electrophiles, thinking that nucleophiles are positively charged species.
Remember that nucleophiles are electron-rich species that donate a pair of electrons to form a bond. They are typically negatively charged or neutral molecules with lone pairs.
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