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Q.15 the major product of the following reaction is:

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I have read that $\ce{NaBH4}$ reduces only aldehyde, ketone and acid chlorides. In some cases it may reduce double bonds conjugated with carbonyl groups. So shouldn't the answer here be option 1?

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Waylander's comments answer the title question as well as I could. Sodium borohydride, and even modified versions where some of the hydride ligands are replaced by others like $\ce{NaBH3CN}$, can reduce imines.

But, if we have only a limited amount of borohydride we will likely see the carboxyl group primarily reduced, as it has a more polar pi bond and thus it is a more reactive electrophile. So you may in principle get mostly 1 with limited sodium borohydride, or 4 if you have enough sodium borohydride to attack both the carboxyl and less reactive imine functions.

The carbon-carbon bond here, not conjugated to either electronegatove function, is interactive to borohydride and thus products 2 and 3 are not reached.

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  • $\begingroup$ If the question is written exactly as I had uploaded in the question (nowhere excess or anything is mentioned) do you think I should be penalized for writing 1 and not 4 ? Note the question has specifically one correct answer and there are no other details than that I have given in my original question... please reply $\endgroup$ – tatan Jan 16 at 13:19
  • $\begingroup$ Then either 1or 4 might be formed. I really can't decide because I do not have ESP and cannot figure whether they mean one or possibly two moles of borohydride reacting. Always ask precise questions! $\endgroup$ – Oscar Lanzi Jan 16 at 13:30
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for your reply. The question is exactly as written. No other details given. Then what do you think? Please share your opinions, it matters a lot $\endgroup$ – tatan Jan 16 at 13:33
  • $\begingroup$ The examination commitee has decided that 4 is correct and decided to penalize option 1 . However they are ready to get their answers challenged if proper citations are provided. Please help me if you think that $1$ should not be penalized for the question written with no other specific details. Please sir. (This question is from an undergraduate entrance examination for high school students) $\endgroup$ – tatan Jan 16 at 13:35
  • $\begingroup$ Then they apparently decided to assume excess borohulydride. I have no more to say. $\endgroup$ – Oscar Lanzi Jan 16 at 14:00

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