Clemmensen reduction of a ketone is carried outin the presence of which of the following ?[2011]a)Glycol with KOHb)Zn-Hg with HClc)Li Al H4d)H2 and Pt as catalystCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

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Answer

Clemmensen Reduction and Its Mechanism:

The Clemmensen reduction is a chemical reaction that involves the conversion of a carbonyl group in a ketone to a methylene group using zinc amalgam and hydrochloric acid. This process is particularly effective for reducing ketones to alkanes.

Role of Zn-Hg with HCl:

- In the Clemmensen reduction, zinc amalgam (Zn-Hg) serves as the reducing agent while hydrochloric acid (HCl) acts as a catalyst.
- The reaction occurs at high temperatures, typically refluxing conditions, to facilitate the reduction of the carbonyl group.
- The zinc amalgam reacts with the carbonyl group in the ketone, leading to the formation of an alkyl zinc intermediate.
- The alkyl zinc intermediate is unstable and undergoes protonation by HCl to form the corresponding alkane.

Comparison with Other Reagents:

- Glycol with KOH is commonly used for cleaving ethers, not for the Clemmensen reduction of ketones.
- LiAlH4 is a powerful reducing agent that can reduce ketones to alcohols, but it is not typically used in the Clemmensen reduction.
- H2 and Pt as a catalyst are commonly used for hydrogenation reactions, not for the Clemmensen reduction.

In conclusion, the Clemmensen reduction of a ketone is carried out in the presence of zinc amalgam and hydrochloric acid. These reagents work together to reduce the carbonyl group in the ketone to a methylene group, producing the desired alkane product.

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