Question: What reagent would you use to accomplish each of the following reactions?

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a) The starting compound contains one ketone group and one ester group in the given reaction. The reagent used here is because it reduces ketones and aldehydes without interfering with other functional groups present in a compound. Thus, the ketone group is only reduced to the OH group, and the ester group remains the same.

(b) The starting compound contains both ketone and ester groups in the given reaction. The reagent used here is because it is the strongest reducing agent that reduces both ketones and esters. Thus, the ketone and ester groups are reduced to the OH group.

(c) The starting compound contains a ketone group and double bonds in the given reaction. The reagent used here is because it reduces carbonyl-containing functional groups without reducing double bonds. Thus, only the ketone group reduces to OH, and the double bonds remain as it is.