Question
Question: By using a platinum catalyst and increased temperature and pressure, it is possible to reduce aldehy...
By using a platinum catalyst and increased temperature and pressure, it is possible to reduce aldehydes and ketones to alcohols, but carboxylic acids, esters and amides are comparatively unreactive. True or false
A
True
B
False
Answer
True
Explanation
Solution
Aldehydes and ketones are readily reduced to alcohols by catalytic hydrogenation (e.g., H₂/Pt, increased T & P). Carboxylic acids, esters, and amides are significantly less reactive towards catalytic hydrogenation. Carboxylic acids require very harsh conditions, while esters and amides need more forcing conditions or different catalysts compared to aldehydes and ketones, hence they are considered "comparatively unreactive".