Question

How will you effect given two-step conversions?
Benzoic acid into m-nitrobenzylalcohol.

Answer 1

You can convert Benzoic acid into m-nitrobenzylalcohol using the two-step conversion method like described below:

Step 1:

You can use the nitrate benzoic acid first to get the meta-directing effect of the −COOH.

Step 2:

Reduce m-nitrobenzoic acid using the Lithium aluminum hydride. When you do this, the nitro group won't get attacked. At the same time, when you check the equivalents of LiAlH4 required for the reaction, make sure you are reacting one of the acids with the hydride to obtain m-nitrobenzylalcohol.