Concept:Catalytic reduction involves the addition of hydrogen across a pi bond using a metal catalyst.
Formula:$$ >C=O + H_2 \xrightarrow{Catalyst} >CH-OH $$
Solution:- When aldehydes and ketones are exposed to \( H_2 \) gas with a metal catalyst (Pd, Pt, Ni), the \( C=O \) pi bond is broken.
- A hydrogen atom bonds to the carbon, and another bonds to the oxygen.
- This transforms the carbonyl group into a hydroxyl group.
- The resulting functional group is an Alcohol (primary from aldehydes, secondary from ketones).
Why other options are incorrect:Carboxylic acids are oxidation products. Alkanes require aggressive deoxygenation (like Clemmensen), not mild catalytic hydrogenation. Aldehydes are the starting material, not the reduced product.
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