The correct statement about the synthesis of erythritol `(C(CH_2OH)_4)` used in the preparation if PETN is :

Options

A. The synthesis requires three aldol condensation and one Cannizzaro reaction.
B. Alpha hydrogens of ethanol and methanol are involved in this reaction.
C. The synthesis required two aldol condensations and two Cannizzaro reactions.
D. The synthesis requires four aldol condensations between methanol and ethanol.

Answer

A

Explanation

The pentaerythritol is typically produced via a base - catalyzed reaction of acetaldehyde with excess formaldehyde. The aldol condensation of three moles of formaldehyde with one mole of acetaldehyde is followed by a crossed Cannizzaro reaction between pentaerythritol, the intermediate product, and formladehyde to give the final pentaerythritol product and sodium formate as a byproduct. These reactions are shown below
`underset("(three aldol condensation)")(CH_(3)CHO+3HCHO)rarrC(CH_(2)OH)_(3)CHO`
`C(CH_(2)OH)_(3)CHO+HCHO+NaOH rarr underset("(Cannizaro.s reaction)")(C(CH_(2)OH)_(4)+HCOONa)`