Acetaldehyde + diethyl ether (solvent) react with NaBH4. When starting material

Question

Acetaldehyde + diethyl ether (solvent) react with NaBH4.

When starting material has been converted to product transfer the reaction mixture to a separatory funnel.Extract the reaction mixture with water. Separate the layers and discard the layer that does not contain your product in the waste container.Transfer your final product to a round bottom flask and make sure your flask in on the stir plate.Set-up the distillation apparatus by double clicking on the apparatus.You will need to add N2 gas to your apparatus.  Failure to do so will cause your reaction apparatus to explode.

During the liquid-liquid extraction with water, which layer was your final product in?

Upper organic layer

Lower organic layer

Upper aqueous layer

Lower aqueous layer

Upper organic layer

Lower organic layer

Upper aqueous layer

Lower aqueous layer

Explanation / Answer

When acetaldehyde reacts with NaBH4 ethanol will be produced. Here NaBH4 is reducing agent so it can reduce the aldehyde into alcohol.

Alcohol is a polar compound so it is more soluble in water than in ether. Ethanol is less dense than alcohol so it is present in upper aqueous layer.

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