What kind of reaction describes the transformation of a compound into its derivatives while retaining its carbon framework?

The transformation of a compound into its derivatives while retaining its carbon framework is characteristic of a substitution reaction. In this type of reaction, one functional group in a molecule is replaced by another functional group without altering the overall carbon skeleton of the compound. For example, in organic compounds, if a halogen atom in an alkyl halide is replaced by a hydroxyl group to form an alcohol, the fundamental structure of the carbon chain remains intact while the specific chemical groups attached to it change.

Addition reactions typically involve the addition of atoms or groups across a double bond, resulting in an increase in the number of atoms in the molecule and often altering the carbon framework. Elimination reactions involve the removal of atoms or groups from a molecule, usually leading to the formation of a double bond and often changing the carbon structure. Oxidation reactions involve a change in the oxidation state of a molecule, usually by the addition of oxygen (or the removal of hydrogen), which can also lead to the change in functional groups or the overall framework.

In contrast, a substitution reaction is defined by the exchange of one substituent for another, making it the correct choice to describe the transformation specified in the question.