Reactions of
Carboxylic Acids

For each of the reactions on the left, predict the major organic product. Pay particular attention to the regiochemistry and stereochemistry of the reaction.

Click the mouse on the reactant molecule to view the answer;

click on the reagent to brielfy review the reaction.








The reaction of a carboxylic acid with BH3/THF converts the carbonyl carbon into a CH2 group, yielding a primary alcohol.













The reaction of a carboxylic acid with a heavy metal cation (HgO or PbIV) in the presence of Br2/CCl4 results in the loss of CO2 and the introduction of a bromine in its place (the Hunsdiecker reaction).






The reaction of a carboxylic acid with a heavy metal cation (HgO or PbIV) in the presence of Br2/CCl4 results in the loss of CO2 and the introduction of a bromine in its place (the Hunsdiecker reaction).








The reaction of a carboxylic acid with LiAlH4 converts the carbonyl carbon into a CH2 group, yielding a primary alcohol.














The reaction of a carboxylic acid with BH3/THF converts the carbonyl carbon into a CH2 group, yielding a primary alcohol.








The reaction of a carboxylic acid with a heavy metal cation (HgO or PbIV) in the presence of Br2/CCl4 results in the loss of CO2 and the introduction of a bromine in its place (the Hunsdiecker reaction).













The reaction of a carboxylic acid with a heavy metal cation (HgO or PbIV) in the presence of Br2/CCl4 results in the loss of CO2 and the introduction of a bromine in its place (the Hunsdiecker reaction).





The reaction of a carboxylic acid with LiAlH4 converts the carbonyl carbon into a CH2 group, yielding a primary alcohol.