Question

Alkyl cyanides on reduction by sodium and ethanol give primary amines. This reaction is called as _____.

• A. Wolff-Kishner reduction
• B. Hell-Vohlard-Zelinsky reaction
• C. Mendius reduction
• D. Clemensen reduction

Hint:

The Mendius reduction is a key reaction for reducing nitriles to primary amines using sodium and ethanol.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the reaction.
The Mendius reduction involves the reduction of alkyl cyanides (nitriles) to primary amines when treated with sodium and ethanol. This is an important method in organic synthesis for preparing amines.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Wolff-Kishner reduction: This reaction involves the reduction of carbonyl compounds to alkanes, not the reduction of nitriles.
(B) Hell-Vohlard-Zelinsky reaction: This is a halogenation reaction, not related to the reduction of nitriles.
(C) Mendius reduction: This is the correct name for the reduction of alkyl cyanides to primary amines.
(D) Clemensen reduction: This is a reduction of carbonyl compounds to alkanes using zinc and hydrochloric acid, not related to nitriles.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Mendius reduction.