Which reagent can convert acetic acid into ethanol

Options

A. `Na+` alcohol
B. `LiAlH_(4)` + ether
C. `H_(2)+Pt`
D. `Sn+ HCl`

Explanation

To convert acetic acid (CH₃COOH) into ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the structure of acetic acid and ethanol
- Acetic acid has the structure CH₃COOH, which contains a carboxylic acid functional group.
- Ethanol has the structure CH₃CH₂OH, which contains an alcohol functional group.

### Step 2: Understand the reduction process
- To convert acetic acid into ethanol, we need to reduce the carboxylic acid group (–COOH) to an alcohol group (–CH₂OH).
- The reduction of acetic acid typically involves an intermediate aldehyde (acetaldehyde, CH₃CHO), but the goal is to convert it directly to ethanol.

### Step 3: Choose the appropriate reducing agent
- A strong reducing agent is required for this conversion. One such reagent is lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH₄).
- LiAlH₄ is known for its ability to reduce carboxylic acids to primary alcohols.

### Step 4: Write the reduction reaction
- The reaction can be represented as follows:
- CH₃COOH (acetic acid) + LiAlH₄ → CH₃CH₂OH (ethanol)
- Here, LiAlH₄ donates hydride ions (H⁻) to the carbonyl carbon of acetic acid, resulting in the formation of ethanol.

### Conclusion
- The reagent that can convert acetic acid into ethanol is lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH₄).