Octet / Reactions
Clemmensen Reduction (C=O → CH₂)
Clemmensen Reduction (C=O → CH₂) (Reduction). Starts from Acetophenone with Zn(Hg), HCl (conc.). Conditions: Heat. Mechanism in 2 steps.
Reduction
Reaction details
Name
Clemmensen Reduction (C=O → CH₂)
Type
Reduction
Starting Material
c1ccc(C(=O)C)cc1
Product
c1ccc(CC)cc1
Reagents
Zn(Hg)
HCl (conc.)
Conditions
Heat
Mechanism
- Smiles
c1ccc(C(=O)C)cc1
- Description
Acetophenone
- Smiles
c1ccc(CC)cc1
- Description
Ethylbenzene (carbonyl removed entirely)
Tips
Removes carbonyl completely
Acidic conditions - use for acid-stable compounds
Alternative: Wolff-Kishner (basic conditions)
Related Reactions
wolff-kishner-reduction
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