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Which reagent can convert phenylmethyl ketone directly into ethylbenzene in a single step?

1. LiAlH4
2. Zn-Hg/HCl
3. NaBH4
4. CH3MgI

Correct answer: Zn-Hg/HCl

Solution

Acetophenone (PhCOCH3) is converted to ethylbenzene (PhCH2CH3) in one step by Clemmensen reduction (Zn-Hg/HCl), which reduces the carbonyl directly to a methylene. LiAlH4/NaBH4 stop at the alcohol.

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