reduction of nitriles

Question

LiAlH₄ reduction of nitriles produces:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

**Nitriles (Cyanides)** are chemically reduced to amines using powerful reducing agents like **Lithium Aluminium Hydride ($LiAlH_4$)** or through catalytic hydrogenation (using $H_2/Ni$).
- Reaction: $R-C\equiv N + 4[H] \xrightarrow{LiAlH_4} R-CH_2-NH_2$
- The triple bond is reduced to a single bond, with two hydrogen atoms adding to each of the carbon and nitrogen atoms.
- This reaction is unique because it increases the carbon chain length by one unit relative to the starting alkyl halide used to make the nitrile.

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reduction of nitriles

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