Question

What is the complete mechanism of Stephen's reaction ?

Answer 1

Well, Stephen reaction is actually about the synthesis of aldehydes(R-CHO)  from the nitriles(R-CN).  initially, the nitriles compounds are converted into iminium salt ([R-CH=NH2]+Cl−) . This happens in the presence of catalyst known as "tin chloride" . The iminum salt is actually reduced form of CN group.This immium salt undergoes hydrolysis reaction result in the formation of aldehyde . HCl is also used in this reaction and the ammonium chloride is one of the product.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Stephen's reaction is also known as Stephen Aldehyde Synthesis. The reaction is used to prepare aldehydes from nitriles or cyanides. Imine intermediate is produced by the reduction of nitriles with stannous chloride and hydrogen chloride in ethyl acetate solvent. The corresponding aldehyde is obtained by the hydrolysis of this intermediate with water.