Question

Explain Wolff-Kishner reduction reaction. Write the preparation of propanone by using ethanoyl chloride and dimethyl cadmium.

Hint:

Wolff-Kishner reduction is useful for converting aldehydes and ketones into alkanes without affecting other functional groups.

Answer 1

Wolff-Kishner Reduction Reaction:
Wolff-Kishner reduction is a method used to reduce carbonyl compounds \( (C=O) \) to alkanes using hydrazine \( (N_2H_4) \) and a strong base \( (KOH) \) in a high-boiling solvent like glycol. \[ R-C=O + N_2H_4 \xrightarrow{\text{KOH, heat}} R-CH_2 + N_2 \] Example: \[ CH_3COCH_3 + N_2H_4 \xrightarrow{\text{KOH, heat}} CH_3CH_2CH_3 + N_2 \]