Identify product (A) in the following reaction : [figure]
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Answer
(4) [figure]
Solution
Zinc amalgam and concentrated HCl (Clemmensen reduction) reduce the carbonyl group of aldehydes and ketones to CH2:
>C=O Zn-Hg/conc. HCl >CH2 + H2O
Both acetyl groups (-COCH3) become ethyl groups (-CH2CH3), releasing 2H2O; the rings are not affected. Product (A) is the diethyl compound in option (4).
Answer: (4)