Question

Select the reagents that reduce nitriles to primary amines: \[ \text{A. } LiAlH_4 \] \[ \text{B. } Sn+HCl \] \[ \text{C. } H_2-Ni \] \[ \text{D. } Na(Hg)/C_2H_5OH \] \[ \text{E. } Br_2/aq.\ NaOH \]

• A. A, C and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. B, D and E only
• D. A, D and E only

Hint:

Nitriles are reduced to primary amines by \(LiAlH_4\) or catalytic hydrogenation using \(H_2/Ni\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the reagents that reduce nitriles to primary amines, we need to evaluate each option based on its ability to perform this reduction.

1. Option A: \( \text{LiAlH}_4 \)
2. Option B: Sn + HCl
3. Option C: \( \text{H}_2 \)-Ni
4. Option D: \( \text{Na(Hg)/C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} \)
5. Option E: \( \text{Br}_2/\text{aq. NaOH} \)

Based on the analysis above, the correct reagents that can reduce nitriles to primary amines are A (\( \text{LiAlH}_4 \)), C (\( \text{H}_2 \)-Ni), and D (\( \text{Na(Hg)/C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} \)).

Therefore, the correct answer is A, C and D only.