Which reagent can be used to convert, halide alcohols, carbonyl compounds, etc. to alkane -

Options

A. `Zn–Hg // HCl`
B. `"Red P" + HI`
C. `LiAlH_(4)`
D. None of these

Answer

To convert halide alcohols, carbonyl compounds, etc., to alkanes, we can use the reagent Zinc Amalgam in the presence of HCl. This process is known as the Clemmensen reduction.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reagents**: The reagent we are considering is Zinc Amalgam (Zn/Hg) in the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl).

2. **Understanding the Reaction**: The Clemmensen reduction is a method used to reduce carbonyl compounds (like aldehydes and ketones) to alkanes. It is particularly useful for converting these compounds into their corresponding alkanes by removing the oxygen.

3. **Mechanism Overview**:
- The carbonyl compound (RCHO or RCO-R') reacts with Zinc Amalgam in the presence of HCl.
- The zinc reduces the carbonyl group (C=O) to a methylene group (-CH2-).
- In the case of halide alcohols, the halide can also be reduced to the corresponding alkane.

4. **Example Reaction**:
- For example, if we take a carbonyl compound like acetone (CH3COCH3), the reaction with Zinc Amalgam and HCl will yield propane (CH3CH2CH3).
- The general reaction can be represented as:
\[ R_2C=O + Zn/Hg + HCl \rightarrow R_2CH_2 \]

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the reagent Zinc Amalgam in the presence of HCl can effectively convert halide alcohols and carbonyl compounds into alkanes.