question_answer

The product obtained, when acetophcnone is treated with zinc-amalgum in cone. \[HCl,\]is:

A)  benzaldehyde  

B)         benzyl alcohol

C)         ethyl benzene                 

D)  cinnamic acid

Correct Answer: C

Solution :

Zinc amalgum/conc. HCl is an important reducing agent. Its reducing reaction is called Clemmensons reduction. It reduces keto group\[\left( \text{ }\,C==O \right)\]into methylene group\[\left( \text{ }\,C{{H}_{2}} \right)\]. Hence, acetophenone gives ethyl benzene on treating with Zn-Hg/cone. \[HCl\].