Question

Phenylmethyl ketone can be converted into ethylbenzene in
one step by which of the following reagents?
(a) LiAlH₄ (b) Zn-Hg/HCl
(c) NaBH₄ (d) CH₃MgI

Answer 1

Explanation:

Phenylmethyl ketone can be converted into ethylbenzene in

one step by which of the following reagents?

(a) LiAlH₄ (b) Zn-Hg/HCl

(c) NaBH₄ (d) CH₃MgI

Answer 2

Reagent used for conversion is - (b) Zn-Hg/HCl

The reaction is called Clemmensen reduction. It is the characteristic reaction which reduces ketones or aldehydes to alkanes.

In this reaction, zinc and mercury amalgam is used with concentrated hydrochloric acid.

Phenyl methyl ketone is also known as acetophenone. It reacts to form ethyl benzene.

C6H5COCH3 + Zn-Hg conc. (HCl) --> C8H10.

Here, C6H5COCH3 is acetophenone, conc. HCl is concentrated hydrochloric acid and C8H10 ethyl benzene.