Question

In Stephen reaction the correct combination of reaction and the reagent used are:

• A. Conversion of alcohol to aldehyde, $AlC{l}_3$
• B. Conversion of nitriles to aldehyde, $SnC{l}_2$
• C. Conversion of alcohol to aldehyde, $SnC{l}_2$
• D. Conversion of nitrile to aldehyde, $AlC{l}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is B Conversion of nitriles to aldehyde, $SnC{l}_2$

Nitriles are reduced to corresponding imine with stannous chloride in the presence of hydrochloric acid, which on hydrolysis give corresponding aldehyde. This reaction is known as Stephen reaction.