What is the product of the following reaction What is the pr

What is the product of the following reaction?

What is the product of the following reaction? H2 (1 equiv) Pd-C OH OH OH OH IV

Solution

Catalytic hydrogenation (H2/Pd) usually reduces the alpha-beta unsaturated double bond only not the carbonyl group. Thus the answer is II, where the double bond is reduced and carbonyl is not.