Question

The set of specific reagents used in the above‐mentioned synthesis of m‐(n‐Butyl)toluene from n‐propyl m‐tolyl ketone is:

• A. \(Zn(Hg), HCl\)
• B. \(NaBH_4 , CH_3OH\)
• C. \(NH_2 NH_2 , NaOH\)
• D. \(SnCl_2 , CH_3 OH\)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks for the specific reagents used in the synthesis of m‐(n‐Butyl)toluene from n‐propyl m‐tolyl ketone. The reaction involves the conversion of a ketone to a hydrocarbon, which is a reduction process.

In organic chemistry, the Wolff-Kishner reduction is commonly used to reduce ketones to alkanes. The reagents involved in this reduction are hydrazine (\(NH_2NH_2\)) and a strong base, typically NaOH. This reaction proceeds by the formation of a hydrazone intermediate, which upon heating decomposes to form the alkane.

Let's analyze the options:

• Zn(Hg), HCl: This is Clemensen reduction, used for reducing ketones to alkanes but not suitable in the presence of acid-sensitive groups.
• NaBH_4 , CH_3OH: Sodium borohydride reduces aldehydes and ketones to alcohols, not hydrocarbons.
• NH_2NH_2 , NaOH: Wolff-Kishner reduction, which is correct for this transformation.
• SnCl_2 , CH_3OH: Used typically for reduction of nitro groups, not ketones to hydrocarbons.

Based on this analysis, the correct reagent set for the reduction of n‐propyl m‐tolyl ketone to m‐(n‐Butyl)toluene is NH_2NH_2 , NaOH.