Question

which statement about this reaction is correct?

1. lialh₄
2. h₃o⁺

a. the products are enantiomers, formed in a racemic mixture.
b. the products are diastereomers, formed in approximately equal amounts.
c. the products are enantiomers, formed in unequal amounts.
d. no reaction takes place

Explanation:

The reaction involves the reduction of a ketone (cyclohexanone derivative with a chiral center) using \( \text{LiAlH}_4 \) followed by protonation. \( \text{LiAlH}_4 \) is a hydride reducing agent that attacks the carbonyl carbon. Since the starting material has a chiral center, the hydride can approach the carbonyl from two faces (syn and anti to the existing chiral group), leading to the formation of two diastereomers (not enantiomers, as there's a pre - existing chiral center). Diastereomers have different physical properties and are not mirror images, and their formation is not in a 1:1 racemic ratio (racemic is for enantiomers). Also, a reaction does occur (so d is wrong), and enantiomers would require the product to be a mirror image pair, which isn't the case here. The products are diastereomers, so option b is correct.

Answer:

b. The products are diastereomers, formed in approximately equal amounts.