MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids / Aldol, Cannizzaro, Perkin, Claisen and related condensations
JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3co106

Which statements about the Reformatsky reaction are correct? (One or more answers)

  1. AIt uses an organozinc enolate made from an alpha-bromo ester and zinc.
  2. BThe organozinc reagent is less reactive than a Grignard reagent and does not attack the ester group.
  3. CMild acid work-up of the product gives a beta-hydroxy ester.
  4. DThe ketone or aldehyde acts as the nucleophile toward the ester.

Answer: A, B, C

Zinc inserts into C-Br of to give a zinc enolate. This enolate is the nucleophile and adds to the aldehyde or ketone C=O, while the ester group in the reagent is untouched. Mild acid work-up gives the beta-hydroxy ester. The carbonyl compound is the electrophile, so statement 4 is false.
Practice Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids More on Aldol, Cannizzaro, Perkin, Claisen and related condensations
Previous questionNext question

More questions on Aldol, Cannizzaro, Perkin, Claisen and related condensations