Question

Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason $R$ 
Assertion A : 

can be easily reduced using $Zn - Hg / HCl$ to 

Reason R : $ Zn \cdot Hg / HCl$ is used to reduce carbonyl group to $- CH _2-$ group.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A is false but $R$ is true
• B. Both A and $R$ are true but $R$ is not the correct explanation of $A$
• C. A is true but $R$ is false
• D. Both A and R are true and $R$ is the correct explanation of $A$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question is about the reduction of a specific compound using \(Zn \cdot Hg / HCl\), which is known as Clemmensen reduction. This reaction is utilized in organic chemistry to reduce carbonyl groups to methylene groups. 

Assertion (A): The assertion states that the given compound can be easily reduced using \(Zn - Hg / HCl\) to another specific compound.

The compound mentioned is a structure with a carbonyl group.

The expected reduced product shows the conversion of the carbonyl group to a \(-CH_2-\) group.

Reason (R): It is stated that \(Zn \cdot Hg / HCl\) is used to reduce carbonyl groups to \(-CH_2-\) groups.

Evaluation of Statement:

1. The reason (R) is a correct and factual statement; Clemmensen reduction specifically involves the reduction of carbonyl groups to methylene groups using \(Zn \cdot Hg / HCl\).
2. However, for the assertion (A) to be true, the given compound must be susceptible to such reduction. Not all carbonyl-containing compounds are ideal candidates for Clemmensen reduction due to possible side reactions or structural incompatibility. Thus, the assertion being false implies a possible structural or conditional limitation.

Conclusion: Since the reason is true and the assertion is not universally applicable in this context, the correct answer is: A is false but R is true.