Which of the following reactions does not lead to formation of an alkanol ?

Options

A. `RCOOR + KOH to`
B. `R_(2) O + H_(2) O underset (Delta) overset(dil//H_(2) SO_(4))to `
C. `RCOR ' +2H overset(NA+ "ethanol") to `
D. `(RCO)_(2) O + H_(2) O to`

Answer

To determine which of the following reactions does not lead to the formation of an alkanol, we will analyze each option provided. An alkanol is essentially an alcohol, which is characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Options**: We have four options to analyze:
- Option 1: Ester hydrolysis
- Option 2: Ether hydrolysis
- Option 3: Ketone reduction
- Option 4: Anhydride hydrolysis

2. **Analyze Option 1 - Ester Hydrolysis**:
- The reaction of an ester with water (or a base) leads to the formation of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
- Reaction: RCOOR' + H2O → RCOOH + R'OH
- **Conclusion**: This reaction produces an alkanol (R'OH).

3. **Analyze Option 2 - Ether Hydrolysis**:
- Hydrolysis of an ether in the presence of an acid leads to the formation of two alcohols.
- Reaction: ROR' + H2O → R-OH + R'-OH
- **Conclusion**: This reaction also produces alkanols.

4. **Analyze Option 3 - Ketone Reduction**:
- The reduction of a ketone (R-C(=O)-R') using a reducing agent (like sodium in ethanol) results in the formation of a secondary alcohol.
- Reaction: R-C(=O)-R' + H2 → R-CHOH-R'
- **Conclusion**: This reaction produces an alkanol.

5. **Analyze Option 4 - Anhydride Hydrolysis**:
- Hydrolysis of an anhydride results in the formation of carboxylic acids.
- Reaction: R-C(=O)-O-C(=O)-R' + H2O → 2 RCOOH
- **Conclusion**: This reaction produces carboxylic acids and does not produce alkanols.

6. **Final Conclusion**:
- Among the four options, only the hydrolysis of an anhydride does not lead to the formation of an alkanol. Therefore, the correct answer is **Option 4**.

### Summary of the Answer:
The reaction that does not lead to the formation of an alkanol is **Option 4: Anhydride Hydrolysis**.