Wolff–Kishner Reduction (C=O → CH₂ using NH₂NH₂ / KOH / ethylene glycol (high T))
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C=O → CH₂ using NH₂NH₂ / KOH / ethylene glycol (high T)
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| KOH | Strong base — promotes decomposition of hydrazone with loss of N₂ |
| NH₂NH₂ | Hydrazine — forms hydrazone intermediate |
| ethylene glycol | High-boiling solvent (b.p. 197°C) |
When to use this
Strongly basic conditions at high temperature. Substrate must be stable in base. Complementary to Clemmensen (acidic). Huang–Minlon modification uses ethylene glycol as solvent.