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Multiple Choice
Predict the major, organic product for the following reaction.
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the reactants: The reaction involves an organolithium compound (cyclopentyl lithium) and an aldehyde (isobutyraldehyde).
Understand the reaction type: This is a nucleophilic addition reaction where the organolithium compound acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde.
Predict the nucleophilic attack: The carbon attached to lithium in the cyclopentyl lithium will attack the carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde, breaking the C=O double bond and forming a new C-C bond.
Consider the intermediate: The result of the nucleophilic attack is an alkoxide intermediate, where the oxygen from the carbonyl group now bears a negative charge.
Protonation step: The alkoxide intermediate is then protonated by the addition of H3O+ (acidic workup), resulting in the formation of the corresponding alcohol as the final product.