In nitroalkanes −NO2 group is converted to −NH2 group by using the reagent:
Reduction of nitroalkanes in neutral medium ( Zn/NH4Cl ) forms mainly
A metal (X) dissolves both in dilute HCl and dilute NaOH to liberate H2. Addition of NH4Cl and excess NH4OH to an HCl solution of X produce Y as a precipitate. Y is also produced by adding NH4Cl to the NaOH solution of X. The species X and Y, respectively, are