MasteryExams
General Science • ChemistryHard

Which of the following organic reactions involves the conversion of carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes and ketones into hydrocarbons by reduction with zinc amalgam and concentrated hydrochloric acid?

A. Cannizzaro reaction
B. Clemmensen reduction✓ Correct Answer
C. Aldol condensation
D. Friedel-Crafts alkylation

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Clemmensen reduction specifically converts aldehydes and ketones into corresponding alkanes using zinc amalgam and concentrated hydrochloric acid. The Cannizzaro reaction involves disproportionation of aldehydes lacking alpha-hydrogen atoms in the presence of concentrated alkali. Aldol condensation forms beta-hydroxy carbonyl compounds, and Friedel-Crafts alkylation introduces alkyl groups onto aromatic rings. Understanding these named organic reactions is essential for multistep synthesis in synthetic chemistry.

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