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Clemmensen Reduction (C=O → CH₂)

Clemmensen Reduction (C=O → CH₂) (Reduction.) Converts c1ccc(C(=O)C)cc1 to c1ccc(CC)cc1 using Zn(Hg), HCl (conc.). Conditions: Heat.

Reduction

Reaction details

Name

Clemmensen Reduction (C=O → CH₂)

Type

Reduction

Starting Material

c1ccc(C(=O)C)cc1

Product

c1ccc(CC)cc1

Reagents
  • Zn(Hg)

  • HCl (conc.)

Conditions

Heat

Mechanism
  1. Smiles

    c1ccc(C(=O)C)cc1

    Description

    Acetophenone

  2. Smiles

    c1ccc(CC)cc1

    Description

    Ethylbenzene (carbonyl removed entirely)

Tips
  1. Removes carbonyl completely

  2. Acidic conditions - use for acid-stable compounds

  3. Alternative: Wolff-Kishner (basic conditions)

Related Reactions
  • wolff-kishner-reduction

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