Question:

Identify a catalyst used in Stephen reaction from the following.

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Stephen reaction reduces a nitrile with stannous chloride and hydrochloric acid.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • \(\text{ZnCl}_{2}\) and HCl
  • \(\text{HgCl}_{2}\) and HCl
  • \(\text{SnCl}_{2}\) and HCl
  • AgCl and HCl
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The Stephen reaction converts a nitrile into an aldehyde.
First the nitrile is reduced to an aldimine hydrochloride, which is then hydrolysed.

Step 2: Reagent
The reducing system is stannous chloride, \(\text{SnCl}_{2}\), with hydrochloric acid.
\(\text{R-C}\equiv\text{N}+2[\text{H}]\xrightarrow{\text{SnCl}_{2}/\text{HCl}}\text{R-CH=NH}\xrightarrow{\text{H}_{3}\text{O}^{+}}\text{R-CHO}\)

Step 3: Conclusion
So the reagent in Stephen reaction is \(\text{SnCl}_{2}\) and HCl.

Final Answer:
SnCl2 and HCl are used in the Stephen reaction. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{SnCl}_{2}\text{ and HCl}} \]
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