Primary alcohols can be formed by reducing aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and esters, while secondary alcohols are synthesized by reducing ketones.
Primary alcohols can be formed by reducing aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and esters while secondary alcohols are synthesized by reducing ketones. A 3⁰ alcohol cannot be produced from a hydride reduction. Aldehydes and ketones can be reduced by NaBH₄ or LiAlH₄, while carboxylic acids and esters are reduced only by LiAlH₄.