Problems and exercisesReduction
1. LiAlH4 or BH3
Give the product of treating the monoethyl ester of glutaric acid, EtOOC–(CH2)3–COOH: a) with excess LiAlH4 and then H3O+; b) with BH3 in THF and then water.
2. Extra hydride
Why is more LiAlH4 needed to reduce a carboxylic acid than to reduce an ester? How is this related to the warning on the page?