MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #321

A chemist needs to reduce a keto-group to a CH2 group in a molecule containing an acid-sensitive acetal linkage. Which method must be avoided?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #321

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A chemist needs to reduce a keto-group to a CH2 group in a molecule containing an acid-sensitive acetal linkage. Which method must be avoided?

    • A) Clemmensen reduction
    • B) Wolff-Kishner reduction
    • C) Catalytic hydrogenation
    • D) Reduction with NaBH4

    Answer: Clemmensen reduction

    Explanation: Clemmensen reduction uses acidic Zn-Hg/HCl, while Wolff-Kishner uses basic NH2NH2/KOH, making Clemmensen unsuitable for acid-sensitive molecules.