Question:

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

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Clemmensen reduction: −CHO → −CH₃, giving toluene.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Concept: Zinc amalgam with concentrated HCl is the Clemmensen reagent. Its job is to fully reduce a $\mathrm{C{=}O}$ group into a plain $\mathrm{-CH_2-}$ group.

Step 1: See the starting group
Benzaldehyde has a $\mathrm{-CHO}$ group attached to the benzene ring.

Step 2: Reduce it completely
The Clemmensen reagent removes the oxygen from $\mathrm{-CHO}$ and adds hydrogens, turning it into $\mathrm{-CH_3}$. So the $\mathrm{-CHO}$ becomes a methyl group.

Step 3: Name the product
A benzene ring carrying a $\mathrm{-CH_3}$ group is toluene, $\mathrm{C_6H_5CH_3}$.

Answer: Toluene, $\mathrm{C_6H_5CH_3}$.
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