Question:

The incorrect statement regarding \(C\) formed in the given sequence of reactions is: \[ CH_3CHO \xrightarrow{\text{(i) } CH_3MgBr} A \xrightarrow{H_2O} B \xrightarrow{PCC} \text{dil. NaOH} \rightarrow C \]

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3-Hydroxybutanal contains one chiral carbon atom and on heating undergoes dehydration to form crotonaldehyde.
Updated On: Jun 18, 2026
  • It is \(\beta\)-Hydroxybutyraldehyde
  • It has no asymmetric carbons
  • The IUPAC name of it is 3-Hydroxybutanal
  • This on heating gives \(\alpha,\beta\)-unsaturated aldehyde
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Grignard reagents add to carbonyl compounds forming alcohols. Oxidation followed by aldol reaction produces a \(\beta\)-hydroxy aldehyde.

Step 1:
Formation of compound \(B\).
\[ CH_3CHO + CH_3MgBr \] gives \[ CH_3CH(OMgBr)CH_3 \] After hydrolysis, \[ B=(CH_3)_2CHOH \] which is isopropyl alcohol.

Step 2:
Oxidation using PCC.
PCC converts secondary alcohol into ketone. \[ (CH_3)_2CHOH \xrightarrow{PCC} CH_3COCH_3 \] Thus the product is acetone.

Step 3:
Aldol reaction.
Acetaldehyde formed initially ultimately undergoes aldol condensation under dilute NaOH conditions giving \[ CH_3CH(OH)CH_2CHO \] which is \[ \text{3-Hydroxybutanal} \] also called \[ \beta\text{-Hydroxybutyraldehyde} \]

Step 4:
Check asymmetric carbon.
The carbon containing \(-OH\) is attached to \[ H,\ OH,\ CH_3,\ CH_2CHO \] all different groups. Hence it is a chiral carbon. Therefore the statement \[ \boxed{\text{It has no asymmetric carbons}} \] is incorrect.
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