Question

The major product of the reaction is

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step-by-step Solution:

The reaction in question involves the use of a reagent BrCH_2 CO_2Et with zinc (Zn). This type of reaction is commonly known as the Reformatsky reaction. Let's go through the steps to understand the formation of the major product:

1. Reformatsky Reaction: This reaction involves a halogenated ester reacting with a carbonyl compound in the presence of zinc metal to form a β-hydroxy ester.
2. Formation of Organozinc Intermediate:

The first step is the oxidative addition of zinc into the carbon-bromine bond, forming an organozinc compound:

BrCH_2CO_2Et + Zn \rightarrow ZnBrCH_2CO_2Et

3. Nucleophilic Addition to Aldehyde/Ketone: The organozinc intermediate is then added to a carbonyl compound (e.g., ketone or aldehyde), leading to the formation of a β-hydroxy ester.

This step involves the nucleophilic addition of the organozinc species to the carbonyl compound, followed by hydrolysis to give the final product.

4. Conclusion: The major product formed is a β-hydroxy ester. From the given options, we can identify the correct structure of this product based on the Reformatsky reaction.

This image shows the structure of a β-hydroxy ester, which is the expected product from the Reformatsky reaction process.

Reasoning for Correct Option:

• The Reformatsky reaction mechanism involves the formation of a β-hydroxy ester, which matches the structure in the provided option image.
• Other options either do not have the appropriate β-hydroxy group, or the connectivity is incorrect, making them inconsistent with the expected product of this reaction.

Hence, the correct answer is the β-hydroxy ester, represented by the selected image option.