Question

Which of these methods can be used to prepare alcohols?
I: Hydrolysis of cyanides
II: Hydration of olefins
III: Reduction of carbonyl compounds

• A. I, II and III
• B. I and II
• C. II and III
• D. I and III

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$I$. cyanides on complete hydrolysis give either carboxylic acids or their salts.
$II$. Olefins (alkenes) on hydration give alcohols (electrophilic addition mechanism).
$III$. Aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids can be reduced to alcohols.