Question:

Write the product when benzaldehyde reacts with \(Zn(Hg)/\)conc. HCl.

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Clemmensen reduction converts aldehydes and ketones into hydrocarbons using \(Zn(Hg)\) and concentrated HCl.
Updated On: Jun 29, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Concept: Zinc amalgam and concentrated hydrochloric acid constitute Clemmensen's reagent. Clemmensen reduction converts aldehydes and ketones into hydrocarbons by reducing the carbonyl group to a methylene group.

Step 1: Starting compound Benzaldehyde: \[ C_6H_5CHO \]

Step 2: Clemmensen reduction \[ C_6H_5CHO \xrightarrow{Zn(Hg)/conc.HCl} C_6H_5CH_3 \]

Step 3: Product formed The aldehyde group \((-CHO)\) is reduced to a methyl group \((-CH_3)\). Thus benzaldehyde is converted into toluene.

Final Answer \[ \boxed{ C_6H_5CHO \xrightarrow{Zn(Hg)/conc.HCl} C_6H_5CH_3 } \] \[ \boxed{\text{Product = Toluene}} \]
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