Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Question:

The reagent(s) used in hydroboration oxidation of propene are

(A) $B_2H_6$
(B) $H_2O$
(C) $H_2O_2$
(D) $OH^-$

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Options:

(A), (B) and (D) only

(A), (B) and (C) only

(A), (B), (C) and (D)

(B), (C) and (D) only

Correct Answer:

(A), (B), (C) and (D)

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (B), (C) and (D)

The reagents used in the hydroboration-oxidation of propene involve a two-step chemical process that converts an alkene into a primary alcohol.

The Two-Step Process

  1. Hydroboration (Step 1): Propene ($\text{CH}_3\text{CH}=\text{CH}_2$) reacts with diborane ($B_2H_6$). Diborane acts as a source of borane ($BH_3$), which adds across the double bond.
    • The boron atom attaches to the less substituted terminal carbon (anti-Markovnikov addition).
    • This step results in the formation of a trialkylborane intermediate.
  2. Oxidation (Step 2): The intermediate is treated with hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) in the presence of an aqueous base (providing $OH^-$ ions), such as sodium hydroxide ($\text{NaOH}$).
    • This replaces the boron group with a hydroxyl group ($-\text{OH}$).
    • Water ($H_2O$) is used as the solvent for the basic medium and is involved in the hydrolysis of the borate esters to finally yield 1-propanol.

Analysis of Reagents

Based on the mechanism, all four listed substances are involved in the complete sequence:

  • (A) $B_2H_6$: The reagent for the hydroboration step.
  • (B) $H_2O$: The solvent and source of protons in the basic workup.
  • (C) $H_2O_2$: The oxidizing agent that replaces boron with oxygen.
  • (D) $OH^-$: The base required to activate the peroxide and catalyze the oxidation.

Therefore, the correct answer is: (A), (B), (C) and (D)