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Question #44418

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Consider the organic compound X\mathbf{X}, methyl 2-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)-2-oxoacetate. X\mathbf{X} is treated with an excess of lithium aluminium hydride (\ceLiAlH4\ce{LiAlH4}) in dry THF at 298 K298\text{ K}, followed by a mild aqueous acidic workup to yield the major product Y\mathbf{Y}. Identify the correct IUPAC name of Y\mathbf{Y}.

Options

  • A.

    1-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)-2-hydroxyethan-1-one

  • B.

    1-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)ethane-1,2-diol

  • C.

    Methyl 2-hydroxy-2-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)acetate

  • D.

    2-(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)ethan-1-ol

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Exception_Exposure

Learn to identify edge cases and boundary exceptions that JEE examiners hide in math problems.

Concepts Behind This Question

Oxidation State Traps|Nucleophilic Addition Sterics|Reduction Selectivity (Hydrides)

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This problem tests the boundary where severe steric hindrance completely overrides inherent electronic reactivity.

Students typically memorize the reactivity order (Aldehyde > Ketone > Ester) and assume an excess of a strong reducing agent like LiAlH4 will reduce all reducible functional groups to alcohols (yielding the diol).

The 'hidden variable' is the spatial impossibility of the transition state for the ketone reduction due to the massive ortho-tert-butyl groups.

This traps rote learners while rewarding those who evaluate 3D molecular geometry and steric protection.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectChemistry
ChapterAlcohols, Phenols, and Ethers - Class 12
ConceptOxidation State Traps
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree