Question

Write the chemical equations when: Pentan-3-one is treated with H$_2$N–NH$_2$ followed by heating with KOH in high boiling solvent such as ethylene glycol.

Hint:

The Wolff-Kishner reduction is used to convert ketones and aldehydes into alkanes by completely removing the oxygen atom.

Answer 1

When Pentan-3-one reacts with hydrazine (H$_2$N-NH$_2$), it forms a hydrazone derivative. Upon further heating with KOH in ethylene glycol, it undergoes the Wolff-Kishner reduction, leading to the complete removal of the carbonyl oxygen and yielding n-pentane.