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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o1189

In the reaction of ethanol with acetyl chloride, pyridine is added. Its role is to

  1. Aprotonate the alcohol so that it is a better nucleophile
  2. Bneutralise the HCl formed
  3. Creduce the carbonyl group
  4. Dact as a Lewis acid activating the C-Cl bond

Answer: B

Pyridine is a weak base (and nucleophilic catalyst). It removes the HCl as pyridinium chloride, preventing acid-catalysed side reactions of the alcohol. It is neither a reducing agent nor a Lewis acid, and protonating ethanol would make it less nucleophilic.
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