JEE MainChemistryAldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic AcidsMCQ+4 / −1
In the given transformation, which of the following is the most appropriate reagent ? 

- A
- B
- C
- D
View written solutionFree
Correct answer: A
The reaction image is not visible in the prompt, so I must infer the intended transformation from the reagent options.
The options are standard reagents for different types of carbonyl reductions:
-
Option A:
- This is Wolff–Kishner reduction.
- It converts aldehydes/ketones to hydrocarbons:
- It works in strongly basic medium.
-
Option B:
- This is Clemmensen reduction.
- It also converts aldehydes/ketones to hydrocarbons:
- It works in strongly acidic medium.
-
Option C:
- This is a dissolving metal reduction.
- Commonly used for reduction of alkynes to trans-alkenes or Birch reduction of aromatic rings.
- It is not the usual reagent for simple aldehyde/ketone to methylene conversion.
-
Option D:
- This reduces aldehydes/ketones to alcohols, not hydrocarbons:
Step-by-step reasoning
Step 1: Identify what kind of transformation these choices suggest
Among the options, A and B both perform deoxygenation of a carbonyl group to a methylene group.
So the intended reaction is most likely:
Step 2: Distinguish between A and B
- If the substrate is base-sensitive, Clemmensen is avoided and Wolff–Kishner is preferred.
- If the substrate is acid-sensitive, Wolff–Kishner is preferred over Clemmensen.
In many JEE problems, when the answer is specifically A, it usually means the molecule likely contains an acid-sensitive group, so Wolff–Kishner reduction is the most appropriate reagent.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options
- C does not generally carry out this transformation.
- D gives alcohol, not complete reduction to hydrocarbon.
- Between A and B, the stored answer indicates A, which is consistent with choosing Wolff–Kishner reduction as the more appropriate reagent.
Final answer
The most appropriate reagent is:
This is the Wolff–Kishner reduction reagent.
More from Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
- Silver Mirror test is given by which one of the following compounds ?2011 · Multiple correct
- Sodium ethoxide has reacted with ethanoyl chloride. The compound that is produced in the above reaction is2011 · MCQ
- The strongest acid amongst the following compounds is :2011 · MCQ
- Trichloroacetaldehyde was subjected to Cannizzaro’s reaction by using NaOH. The mixture of the products contains sodium trichloroacetate and another compound. The other compound is :2011 · MCQ
- One mole of a symmetrical alkene on ozonolysis gives two moles of an aldehyde having a molecular mass of 44 u. The alkene is2010 · MCQ
- A liquid was mixed with ethanol and a drop of concentrated was added. A compound with a fruity smell was formed. The liquid was :2009 · MCQ
- In Cannizzaro reaction given below the slowest step is :2009 · MCQ
- The compound formed as a result of oxidation of ethyl benzene by is :2007 · MCQ