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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reactions is commonly catalyzed by enzymes in organic chemistry?
A
Hydrolysis of esters
B
Diels-Alder reaction
C
Friedel-Crafts alkylation
D
Grignard reaction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the nature of each reaction listed. Hydrolysis of esters involves breaking an ester bond using water, often catalyzed by enzymes such as esterases.
Consider the Diels-Alder reaction, which is a [4+2] cycloaddition reaction between a diene and a dienophile. This reaction is typically not enzyme-catalyzed in biological systems.
Examine the Friedel-Crafts alkylation, which involves the alkylation of an aromatic ring using an alkyl halide and a Lewis acid catalyst. This reaction is not commonly catalyzed by enzymes.
Review the Grignard reaction, which involves the addition of Grignard reagents to carbonyl compounds to form alcohols. This reaction is not enzyme-catalyzed.
Conclude that the hydrolysis of esters is the reaction commonly catalyzed by enzymes in organic chemistry, as enzymes like lipases and esterases facilitate this process in biological systems.