Wolff–Kishner Reduction: Removing Carbonyls (C=O → CH2)

Learn the Wolff–Kishner reduction step-by-step: hydrazone formation, base-promoted elimination, and nitrogen gas driving force. Includes scope, limitations, and practice problems.

• Overall transformation: Aldehyde/ketone → alkane (C=O removed)
• Key steps: Hydrazone formation → deprotonation → N2 elimination
• Typical conditions: NH2NH2, strong base, heat (conditions vary by variant)
• Driving force: N2 gas formation
• Common comparison: Alternative is Clemmensen reduction (acidic conditions)
• Exam type: Predict the major product
• Exam type: Choose conditions
• Exam type: Failure modes / distractors