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    Nikki_2003's Avatar
    Nikki_2003 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 9, 2003, 05:23 PM
    Organic Chemistry - Clemmensen reduction
    Hi!

    I REALLY REALLY need to know the mechanism for the Clemmensen Reduction of ketones/aldehydes using Zn(Hg) + HCl!?

    How do the electrons transfer to reduce ketones/aldehydes to alkanes?

    I have an exam soon!

    Your help will be much appreciated!
    QQapple's Avatar
    QQapple Posts: 36, Reputation: 3
    Junior Member
    		  
    #2

    Sep 10, 2003, 08:47 AM
    Organic Chemistry - Clemmensen reduction
    Well I can't draw chemical structures or arrows her but...

    Seriousely!---DONT BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR!! Ask him/her BEFORE THE EXAM(i.e WHILE YOU STILL CAN!! ) and he/she should help

    That would be the smart thing to do (his explanation would be the best exam-answer if 'HE' is marking the exam)
    biiilll's Avatar
    biiilll Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Feb 18, 2010, 11:41 PM
    The mechanism to this reaction is actually not fully known. Don't sweat it too much.
    sahrish's Avatar
    sahrish Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    May 26, 2010, 08:49 AM
    yes I can try..
    bt not able to draw structures properly as I have no chem draw like softwear, but I will try my best..!
    At first step, protonation done on carbonyl oxygen R2_C=OH+,then react Zn throgh electrophilic carbon R2-C-OHZn+, Zn got +ve charge, then further react with 3 molar chloride ions3CL-, whch go attach on Zinc and Zn carry -2 charge,Chlorides remove as ZnCl2and Zn got -1 charge, then again protonation on OH, becomes OH2+, Zn -ve Charge move, and OH2+ removed, like R2-C=Zn, again protonation, doble bond C and Zn removed, and Zn carry +ve charge, like R2CH-Zn+, again protonation, Zn removed, and alkane compound formed at the end with removal of Zn+2... Like.. R-CH2-R, Zn+2...
    hope my answer satisfy you..
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