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!

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)

The mechanism to this reaction is actually not fully known. Don't sweat it too much.

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..