Question:

Which of the following reaction is an example of Rosenmund reduction?

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To spot the Rosenmund reduction instantly among options, always look for the unique reagent combination of an acid chloride ($\mathrm{-COCl}$) starting material being treated with $\mathrm{Pd/BaSO_4}$.
Updated On: Jun 11, 2026
  • $\mathrm{R - CO - R \xrightarrow[NH_2 - NH_2, \Delta]{KOH, \text{ethylene glycol}} R - CH_2 - R}$
  • $\mathrm{R - CHO \xrightarrow[\Delta]{Zn - Hg / \text{conc. } HCl} R - CH_3 + H_2O}$
  • $\mathrm{R - CO - Cl \xrightarrow[BaSO_4]{Pd - H_2} R - CHO + HCl}$
  • $\mathrm{R - CN \xrightarrow[HCl]{SnCl_2 / H_3O^+} R - CHO + NH_4Cl}$
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the standard chemical equation that represents the Rosenmund reduction from the given choices.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The Rosenmund reduction is a catalytic hydrogenation process used specifically to reduce acyl chlorides (acid chlorides) into their corresponding aldehydes. The reaction uses hydrogen gas ($\mathrm{H_2}$) in the presence of a palladium catalyst supported on barium sulfate ($\mathrm{Pd/BaSO_4}$), which is partially deactivated ("poisoned") by substances like sulfur or quinoline to prevent further reduction of the aldehyde into a primary alcohol.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the nature of each option:

Option A: Represents the Wolff-Kishner reduction, where a ketone ($\mathrm{R-CO-R}$) is completely reduced to an alkane ($\mathrm{R-CH_2-R}$) using hydrazine and $\mathrm{KOH}$ in ethylene glycol.

Option B: Represents the Clemmensen reduction, where an aldehyde ($\mathrm{R-CHO}$) is reduced to an alkane ($\mathrm{R-CH_3}$) using zinc amalgam ($\mathrm{Zn-Hg}$) and concentrated $\mathrm{HCl}$.

Option C: Shows an acyl chloride ($\mathrm{R-CO-Cl}$) reacting with hydrogen in the presence of a poisoned palladium catalyst ($\mathrm{Pd-BaSO_4}$) to yield an aldehyde ($\mathrm{R-CHO}$). This perfectly fits the definition of the Rosenmund reduction.

Option D: Represents the Stephen reduction, where a nitrile ($\mathrm{R-CN}$) is reduced to an aldehyde using tin(II) chloride ($\mathrm{SnCl_2}$) and $\mathrm{HCl}$ followed by hydrolysis.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The reaction that exemplifies the Rosenmund reduction is shown in option (C).
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