Final answer:
The general mechanism of reduction of an acid chloride or ester with a metal hydride reagent involves nucleophilic addition of a hydride ion (H-) to the carbonyl carbon of the acid chloride or ester. This is followed by protonation of the resulting alkoxide intermediate to give an alcohol. The metal hydride reagent acts as the source of the hydride ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general mechanism of reduction of an acid chloride or ester with a metal hydride reagent involves nucleophilic addition of a hydride ion (H-) to the carbonyl carbon of the acid chloride or ester. This is followed by protonation of the resulting alkoxide intermediate to give an alcohol. The metal hydride reagent acts as the source of the hydride ion.
For example, in the reduction of an acid chloride with a metal hydride reagent like lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4), the mechanism involves nucleophilic attack of the hydride ion on the carbonyl carbon of the acid chloride, forming an alkoxide intermediate. This intermediate is then protonated by the acid generated from the reaction of the metal hydride with protic solvents, resulting in the formation of an alcohol.
Overall, the reduction of an acid chloride or ester with a metal hydride reagent results in the formation of an alcohol through nucleophilic addition followed by protonation.