Chapter 20, Problem 20.41AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A reaction scheme for determining the fraction of ${}^{14}\text{C}$ at the carbonyl carbon and the other fraction of ${}^{14}\text{C}$ present elsewhere position in phenylacetic acid $\left({\text{PhCH}}_{\text{2}}{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}\text{H}\right)$ molecule is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

Atoms of the same elements that have different masses and different number of neutrons are known as isotopes. The isotopes of carbon atom are ${}^{13}\text{C}$ and ${}^{14}\text{C}$.

The reduction of an acid in the presence of a hydride like ${\text{LiAlH}}_{\text{4}}$ and ${\text{NaBH}}_{\text{4}}$ forms the corresponding alcohol. Among ${\text{LiAlH}}_{\text{4}}$ and ${\text{NaBH}}_{\text{4}}$, ${\text{LiAlH}}_{\text{4}}$ is mostly preferred for the reduction of acids because it is strong reducing agent.