Clemmensen Reduction

Schematic representation of the Clemmensen Reduction.
Mechanism of the Clemmensen Reduction
Mechanism of the Clemmensen Reduction
Sample reactions
intermediate structure
HCl, Zn(Hg)
EtOH, H2O
Reflux, 25.5 h, 36% (3 steps)
"Also isolated was the regioisomer (8 % yield)."
intermediate structure
intermediate structure
HCl, Zn(Hg)
H2O, PhMe
Reflux, 48 h, 83%
intermediate structure
intermediate structure
HCl, Zn, HgCl2
EtOH, H2O
Reflux, 2 h, 88%
intermediate structure