The Bouveault-Blanc reduction involves

Options

A. `C_(2)H_(5)OH//Na`
B. `LiAIH_(4)`
C. `C_(2)H_(5)MgX^(-)`
D. `Zn//HCl`

Explanation

The Bouveault-Blanc reduction is a chemical reaction that involves the reduction of esters or aldehydes to alcohols using sodium (Na) in the presence of ethanol (C2H5OH). Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the process:

### Step 1: Reactants Identification
Identify the reactants involved in the Bouveault-Blanc reduction. The primary reactants are sodium (Na) and ethanol (C2H5OH).

**Hint:** Look for a metal and an alcohol in the reaction.

### Step 2: Formation of Alkoxide
When sodium is added to ethanol, it reacts to form sodium ethoxide (C2H5O^-Na^+) and hydrogen gas (H2). This step involves the deprotonation of ethanol.

**Hint:** Remember that sodium reacts with alcohols to form alkoxides.

### Step 3: Reduction of Carbonyl Compound
The alkoxide formed can then act as a nucleophile. When it encounters a carbonyl compound (like an ester or aldehyde), it attacks the carbonyl carbon, leading to the formation of an alkoxide intermediate.

**Hint:** Think about how nucleophiles interact with electrophiles in organic reactions.

### Step 4: Protonation
The alkoxide intermediate is then protonated by the ethanol present in the reaction mixture, resulting in the formation of the corresponding alcohol.

**Hint:** Protonation is often the final step in reactions involving nucleophiles.

### Step 5: Product Formation
The final product of the Bouveault-Blanc reduction is an alcohol, which is formed from the initial carbonyl compound.

**Hint:** The goal of the reaction is to convert a carbonyl compound into an alcohol.

### Summary
The Bouveault-Blanc reduction involves the use of sodium and ethanol to reduce carbonyl compounds (like esters or aldehydes) to alcohols through the formation of an alkoxide intermediate and subsequent protonation.