Question:

Which of the following functional groups is reduced by diborane?

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Diborane is a selective reducing agent mainly used for the reduction of carboxylic acids into primary alcohols.
Updated On: Feb 11, 2026
  • Nitro group
  • Halo group
  • Ester group
  • Carboxyl group
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the reducing nature of diborane.
Diborane \((\mathrm{B_2H_6})\) is a strong reducing agent commonly used to reduce carboxylic acids to primary alcohols.
Step 2: Analyze each functional group.
(A) Nitro group: Reduced by agents like Sn/HCl or Fe/HCl, not diborane.
(B) Halo group: Generally not reduced by diborane.
(C) Ester group: Requires stronger reducing agents like \(\mathrm{LiAlH_4}\).
(D) Carboxyl group: Correct — diborane selectively reduces carboxylic acids to alcohols.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Diborane specifically reduces the carboxyl group.
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