Question

Compound A in basic medium converted into :

• A. $\mathrm{Ph-CH(OH)-CH_3}$
• B. $\mathrm{Ph-CO-CHO}$
• C. $\mathrm{Ph-CO-CH_2OH}$
• D. $\mathrm{Ph-CH(OH)-CO_2^-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

D

Answer 2

Compound A is $\mathrm{Ph-CH(OH)-CHO}$, an $\alpha$-hydroxy aldehyde. In basic medium, aldehydes are prone to oxidation to carboxylic acids. The aldehyde group in compound A is oxidized to a carboxylate group in the presence of a base. The resulting product is the mandelate anion, $\mathrm{Ph-CH(OH)-CO_2^-}$.