The reduction of cyclohexanone with $NaBH_4$ produces
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Cyclohexanol
Reason:
NaBH₄ is a mild reducing agent that selectively reduces the carbonyl group (C=O) of ketones to a secondary alcohol (–CHOH).
Reaction: Cyclohexanone → cyclohexanol (secondary alcohol)
No effect on C=C bonds or further reduction.
Why others are wrong:
- Cyclohexene: Requires dehydration or strong reducing conditions (e.g., Clemmensen/Wolff-Kishner gives cyclohexane).
- Cyclohexane-1,2-diol: Comes from dihydroxylation of cyclohexene (e.g., with OsO₄ or cold KMnO₄).
- Cyclohexane carboxylic acid: Not a reduction product.