Identify X , Y and Z formed in the reaction:

Step-by-step solution

The starting material is 4-formylcyclohexanone. Reaction with Zn/Hg and conc. HCl is the Clemmensen reduction, which reduces both the ketone and the aldehyde groups to methylene groups. Thus, Z is 1-methyl-4-methylcyclohexane, which is simply 1,4-dimethylcyclohexane. Reaction with Cu ⁺²/ OH ⁻ (Fehling's solution or similar oxidizing conditions) selectively oxidizes the aldehyde group to a carboxylic acid group, while the ketone remains unaffected. Subsequent acidification with H ₃ O ⁺ gives 4-oxocyclohexanecarboxyl