MHT CET Medical202621 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryAldehydes and KetonesActual
Identify a catalyst used in Stephen reaction from the following.
Options
- AZnCl ₂ and HCl
- BHgCl ₂ and HCl
- CSnCl ₂ and HCl
- DAgCl and HCl
Correct answer
C. SnCl ₂ and HCl
Step-by-step solution
The Stephen reaction involves the reduction of an alkyl cyanide (nitrile) to the corresponding aldehyde. The reagents used in this reaction are stannous chloride ( SnCl ₂ ) and hydrochloric acid ( HCl ). The reaction proceeds via the formation of an imine hydrochloride intermediate, which upon hydrolysis yields the aldehyde. R-C N + SnCl ₂ + HCl R-CH=NH HCl H₃O^+ R-CHO + NH ₄^+ Therefore, the correct catalyst/reagent is SnCl ₂ and HCl . Answer: SnCl ₂ and HCl