Explain the following reactions:
a) Clemmensen reduction
b) Stephen reaction
a) Clemmensen reduction
b) Stephen reaction
Answer: (a) C=O → CH₂ with Zn(Hg)/conc. HCl. (b) RCN + SnCl₂/HCl → iminium salt → H₃O⁺ → RCHO.
Solution
(a) Clemmensen: amalgamated zinc in concentrated HCl reduces a carbonyl to methylene —
(b) Stephen: partial reduction of a nitrile with SnCl/HCl, then hydrolysis, gives the aldehyde —
(b) Stephen: partial reduction of a nitrile with SnCl/HCl, then hydrolysis, gives the aldehyde —
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2022 · Subjective