Question

What are Mechanism of Wolff-Kishner Reduction?

Answer

Here is a step-by-step mechanism for the Wolff-Kishner reduction: (i) The hydrazone formation involves the nucleophilic addition of the hydrazine to the carbonyl carbon, followed by elimination of water. The resulting hydrazone is a stable compound. (ii) The hydrazone is then treated with a strong base, forming a carbanion intermediate. (iii) The process involves migration of the alkyl group from the nitrogen atom to the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl carbon, breaking the carbon-nitrogen bond in the process.