NEET2026ChemistryChapterActual
The given compound is to be reduced to its corresponding primary amine. Which of the following reagent mixtures is preferred for this conversion in industrial processes because the acid is regenerated during the reaction?
Options
- ASn and HCl
- BFe scrap and HCl
- CH₂ gas in the presence of finely divided Ni
- DLiAlH₄ in dry ether
Correct answer
B. Fe scrap and HCl
Step-by-step solution
Reduction of nitro compounds to primary amines can be carried out using metal-acid mixtures such as Sn / HCl or Fe / HCl . In industrial processes, the use of iron scrap ( Fe ) and hydrochloric acid ( HCl ) is preferred over Sn / HCl . This is because the FeCl₂ formed during the reaction gets hydrolysed to release hydrochloric acid back into the reaction mixture: FeCl₂ + 2 H₂O Fe(OH)₂ + 2 HCl Thus, only a small amount of HCl is required to initiate the reaction, making the process highly cost-effective. Answer: Fe