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Multiple Choice
Classify the reaction as either an organic oxidation, an organic reduction, or neither.
A
Oxidation
B
Both an oxidation and a reduction
C
Reduction
D
Neither
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the reactant and product structures. The reactant is acetic acid (CH₃COOH), and the product is ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH).
Recognize the reagent used in the reaction. Lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) is a strong reducing agent commonly used to reduce carboxylic acids to alcohols.
Analyze the change in oxidation state. In the reactant, the carbonyl carbon of acetic acid is bonded to an oxygen atom, which is more electronegative, indicating a higher oxidation state. In the product, ethanol, the carbon is bonded to a hydrogen atom, indicating a lower oxidation state.
Determine the type of reaction. Since the carbonyl carbon in acetic acid is reduced to a hydroxyl group in ethanol, this is an organic reduction reaction.
Conclude that the reaction involves the gain of hydrogen atoms and the loss of oxygen atoms, which is characteristic of a reduction process.