Haloform and Conversion
a. If you were carrying out an industrial scale synthesis in which one step involved a haloform reaction to convert a methyl ketone into the corresponding acid having one less carbon atom, would you use NaOH and Cl2, NaOH & Br2, or NaOH and I2 reagent? Give reasons.
b. Write a balanced equation for the conversion of C6H5CHOHCH3 to methyl ketone in the presence of I2 and NaOH. Identify which is being oxidized and which is being reduced.