Reduction of C=O: Clemensen vs Wolf-Kischner

  • Thread starter Thread starter net_nubie
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Clemensen reduction and the Wolff-Kishner reduction are both methods for reducing ketones to methylene groups. The key distinction lies in their reaction conditions: Clemensen reduction employs zinc and a strong acid, while Wolff-Kishner reduction utilizes hydrazine and a basic environment, typically involving hydroxide. Both methods are essential in organic synthesis for transforming carbonyl compounds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of organic chemistry principles
  • Familiarity with reduction reactions
  • Knowledge of reaction mechanisms
  • Experience with laboratory techniques in organic synthesis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mechanism of Clemensen reduction in detail
  • Explore the Wolff-Kishner reduction process and its applications
  • Investigate the role of zinc in acid-catalyzed reductions
  • Learn about alternative methods for carbonyl reduction
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, and researchers focusing on synthetic methodologies in organic chemistry will benefit from this discussion.

net_nubie
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Can someone please tell me the difference between Clemensen's reduction and the Wolf-Kisher reduction?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, they're related in that they both reduce ketones to the methylene.

The obvious difference is that one's acidic while the other's basic.

Clemmensen uses zinc and a strong acid, while Wolff-Kishner uses hydrazine and a base, often hydroxide.
 

Similar threads

Chemistry How do we interpret the steps in the algorithm to balance a redox equation?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Basic concept doubts in redox reactions
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Standard Reduction Potential Changes in Regards to Acidity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Differential geometry of singular spaces
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Calculation torque of a drive at the torque arm
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
What Are Three Uses of Rhodium as a Catalyst?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Who is the Oxidizer and Who is the Reducer in Oxidation-Reduction?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Chemistry How to find the pH of a galvanic cell (MIT OCW problem set)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Undergrad Energy reduction/deflection of beta particles due to isotope geometry
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
About oxidation and reduction in organic Chemistry
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K