MCAT Biology : Reduction Reactions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for MCAT Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Reduction Reactions

What reagent would be best suited to accomplish the transformation shown below?

Mcat_5

Possible Answers:

Methyl magnesium bromide,

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Reduction of an ester to an alcohol requires a strong reducing agent, such as .

is not a strong enough reducing agent for this reaction. Hydrogenation and reaction with zinc would reduce the nitro group to an amino group instead of affecting the carboxylic acid. is a Grignard reagent, and would not function as a reducing agent.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors