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In the reduction of carboxylic acids with $\ce {LiAlH_4}$ we get an alcohol. But isn't there a possibility of the hydride donor abstracting $\ce {H^{+}}$ from the acid to form $\ce {H_2}$?

Gaurang Tandon
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user161158
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  • You are right. The hydride would first act as a base deprotonating the acid before performing the hydride attack and subsequently reducing it. – Tan Yong Boon Jan 28 '18 at 01:44
  • Related: https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/4940/reduction-of-carboxylic-acids-by-lialh4?rq=1 – Tan Yong Boon Jan 28 '18 at 04:16

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