Reduction and oxidation of aldehydes and ketones involve a transfer of hydrogen atoms between the carbonyl carbon and the hydrogen atoms in the hydroxyl group....
Reduction and oxidation of aldehydes and ketones involve a transfer of hydrogen atoms between the carbonyl carbon and the hydrogen atoms in the hydroxyl group. This process can occur in two ways:
In the first mechanism, the hydrogen atom from the hydroxyl group donates its hydrogen atom to the carbonyl carbon. This leads to the reduction of the carbonyl group and the formation of an alkene or alkane.
In the second mechanism, the hydrogen atom from the hydroxyl group adds to the carbonyl carbon. This results in the oxidation of the carbonyl group and the formation of a ketone.
Examples:
Reduction of an aldehyde with H2 and Lindlar's catalyst yields an alkene.
Oxidation of a ketone with H2 and acid catalyst yields a corresponding ketone