The product (P) formed in the following reaction is:
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)
(C)(see structure)✓ Correct
(D)(see structure)
Answer: (C)
Solution
Zn–Hg amalgam with concentrated HCl carries out the Clemmensen reduction, which fully reduces an aldehyde or ketone carbonyl to a methylene/methyl group but leaves ester groups completely untouched. In the substrate, the ring carries two ethyl ester substituents and one aromatic aldehyde (–CHO); Clemmensen conditions convert only the –CHO group to –CH3, while both esters survive unchanged. The product P is the diethyl ester bearing a methyl group in place of the original aldehyde.
JEE Main · 2025 · 29 Jan 2025 · Shift 1 · Single correct option