In Clemmensen reduction carbonyl compound is treated with ________.

Options

A. zinc amalgam + HCl
B. sodium amalgam + HCl
C. zinc amalgam + nitric acid
D. sodium amalgam + `HNO_(3)`

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Clemmensen Reduction**: Clemmensen reduction is a chemical reaction that involves the reduction of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) to alkanes. This reaction is particularly useful for converting carbonyl groups into methylene groups.

2. **Reagents Used**: The key reagents in the Clemmensen reduction are zinc amalgam and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Zinc amalgam is a mixture of zinc and mercury, which serves as the reducing agent.

3. **Mechanism Overview**: In the presence of zinc amalgam and HCl, the carbonyl compound undergoes reduction. The carbonyl group (C=O) is converted into a methylene group (C-H2), effectively removing the oxygen and adding hydrogen.

4. **Example Reaction**: For instance, if we take acetone (CH3C(=O)CH3) as a carbonyl compound, the Clemmensen reduction will convert it into propane (CH3CH2CH3). During this process, water (H2O) is also produced as a byproduct.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, in the Clemmensen reduction, the carbonyl compound is treated with zinc amalgam and hydrochloric acid (HCl).

**Final Answer**: In Clemmensen reduction, carbonyl compound is treated with **zinc amalgam and hydrochloric acid (HCl)**.

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