Question

In Clemmensen reduction, carbonyl compounds are treated with:

• A. Zinc amalgam + HCl
• B. Sodium amalgam + HCl
• C. Zinc amalgam + Nitric acid
• D. Sodium amalgam + HNO\(_3\)

Hint:

Clemmensen reduction is effective for reducing ketones and aldehydes but not suitable for acid-sensitive compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Clemmensen Reduction. 
- Clemmensen reduction is a method used to reduce carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) to alkanes. 
- The reaction is carried out in strongly acidic conditions. 
Step 2: Reaction Mechanism. 
\[ {R-CO-R'} + 2[H] \xrightarrow{{Zn(Hg) + HCl}} {R-CH}_2{-R'} \] 
- Zinc amalgam (Zn(Hg)) acts as the reducing agent. 
- Hydrochloric acid provides the protons needed for reduction. 
- The carbonyl oxygen is removed as water, and the carbonyl carbon is converted to an alkane. 
Step 3: Identifying the correct answer. 
- Option (A) is correct because Clemmensen reduction specifically requires zinc amalgam and HCl. 
- Other options involve sodium amalgam or nitric acid, which are not used in this reaction.