Question

Which of the following reagents cannot be used to convert nitrobenzene to aniline?

(a) LiAlH4-dry ether

(b) SnCl2/HCl

(c) H2/Pd-ethanol

(d) Zn in HCl

This question was addressed to me during an online exam.

I'm obligated to ask this question of Preparation of Amines topic in section Amines of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) LiAlH4-dry ether

The explanation is: LiAlH4 may be used for the reduction of aliphatic nitro compounds to respective amines. But with aromatic nitro compounds (nitrobenzene), it gives azobenzene and not primary amines (aniline).