Question

Identify 'A' in the following reaction :

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The given reaction is a Wolff-Kishner reduction, which is used to reduce carbonyl groups (aldehydes and ketones) to alkanes.

The first step involves the formation of a hydrazone derivative: \[ \text{CH}_3 - \text{CO} - \text{CH}_2 - \text{CH}_3 \xrightarrow{\text{N}_2\text{H}_4} \text{CH}_3 - \text{C}(\text{NHNH}_2) - \text{CH}_2 - \text{CH}_3. \]

In the presence of ethylene glycol and KOH, the hydrazone undergoes decomposition to form: \[ \text{CH}_3 - \text{CH}_2 - \text{CH}_2 - \text{CH}_3. \]

Thus, the product 'A' is butane.