Reduction of an aldehyde produces

Options

A. Primary alcohol
B. Monocarboxylic acid
C. Secondary
D. Tertiary alcohol

Answer

To solve the question "Reduction of an aldehyde produces," we will go through the reduction process step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Aldehydes**:
- Aldehydes have the general formula RCHO, where R can be an alkyl or aryl group. The functional group is characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end of the carbon chain.

2. **Choosing a Reducing Agent**:
- A common reducing agent for aldehydes is Lithium Aluminium Hydride (LiAlH4). This is a strong reducing agent that can effectively reduce aldehydes to alcohols.

3. **Reduction Reaction**:
- When an aldehyde is treated with LiAlH4, the hydride ion (H-) from the reducing agent attacks the carbon atom of the carbonyl group (C=O).
- This results in the formation of an alkoxide intermediate (RCH2O-).

4. **Formation of Alcohol**:
- The alkoxide intermediate (RCH2O-) is then hydrolyzed (reacted with water) to form a primary alcohol (RCH2OH).
- The hydrolysis involves the addition of a proton (H+) to the negatively charged oxygen, resulting in the hydroxyl group (-OH) being formed.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The final product of the reduction of an aldehyde using a reducing agent like LiAlH4 is a primary alcohol.

### Final Answer:
Reduction of an aldehyde produces a primary alcohol.