Question

How will you bring about the following conversions in not more than two steps? Ethanol to 3-Hydroxybutanal

Answer 1

For this conversion, we need to follow the Aldol Condensation Reaction.

This Reaction can occur when Ethanol will be Treated with NaOH, in the Presence of the Copper at the temperature of 573 K or 300°C.

Reaction is shown below,

C₂H₅OH  ------- NaOH --------⇒ C₃H₆OHCHO

Refers the attachment for clearance of the diagrammatically representation.

Hope it helps.

Answer 2

The reaction of Ethanol to 3-hydroxybutal will be in the presence of CrO3 and then it will be followed up by dil NaOH or Aldol condensation.

First, take Ethanol in the presence of CrO3 to obtain the CH3CHO compound then heat it in the presence of dil NaOH or Aldol condensation to obtain 3-hydroxybutal compound.

For the reaction, Ethanol write CH3CH2OH with CrO3 and then the final product will be 3-hydroxybutal.