Wolf Kishner Reduction

Introduction

Wolf Kishner Reduction is reaction ,where Carbonyl compound are converted to  hydrocarbon by the action of hydrazine ( H₂N  – NH₂ ) and base (KOH),the method originally involved heating the hydrazine with sodium ethoxide in a sealed vessel at above 180* C temperature . Other bases have found equally effective. Di-ethylene glycol is usually used as solvent.

Wolf Kishner Reduction

Principle of Reaction: In this reaction ,Carbonyl compound are converted to  hydrocarbon by the action of hydrazine ( H₂N  – NH₂ ) and base (KOH),the method originally involved heating the hydrazine with sodium ethoxide in a sealed vessel at above 180* C temperature . Other bases have found equally effective. Di-ethylene glycol is usually used as solvent.

Limitation:

1. This reduction is only applicable for acid-sensitive aldehyde or ketone.
2. It is much more preferable for aldehyde rather then ketone because of steric hindrance due to the appearance of multigroup.
3. Some side products may be obtained.