Question

Chloroform on reduction with zinc and water gives

• A. Acetylene
• B. Ethylene
• C. Ethane
• D. Methane

Hint:

Strong reducing conditions tend to convert haloforms (CHX$_3$) all the way to the parent hydrocarbon CH$_4$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Nature of the reaction.
Zinc in water acts as a reducing system providing nascent hydrogen, which dehalogenates haloforms.
Step 2: Apply to chloroform.
CHCl$_3$ undergoes stepwise replacement of Cl by H under reducing conditions, ultimately forming CH$_4$.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, chloroform reduces to methane \(\Rightarrow\) (D).