The Clemmensen reduction uses amalgamated zinc (Zn/Hg) and hydrochloric acid to reduce an aldehyde or ketone to an alkane. Two proposed mechanisms exist: the “Carbanionic mechanism” involves zinc directly attacking the carbonyl group and the formation of carbanion intermediates, while the “Carbenoid mechanism” occurs on the surface of zinc, involving a radical intermediate and zinc carbenoid.

• Reagents: Zn(Hg), Organic Solvent (e.g. Toluene), HCl (40% aq.)
• Reactant: Aldehyde or Ketone
• Product: Alkane
• Type of Reaction: Reduction

Mechanism

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