Question

Which of the following is not a common N containing functional groups which undergo reduction reactions?

(a) Nitro compounds

(b) Azo compounds

(c) N-oxide compounds

(d) Nitrite compounds

I have been asked this question in class test.

This is a very interesting question from Drugs Biotransformation topic in portion Biotransformation of Drugs of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct option is (d) Nitrite compounds

Best explanation: The N-containing functional groups that commonly undergo bioreduction are nitro, azo, N-oxide compounds. Reduction of the nitro group proceeds via formation of nitroso and hydroxylamine intermediates to yield amines.