Reaction Summary
Reagents
(aqueous/alcoholic solution) - or
in dry ether
Conditions
- Room temperature (warm for
if needed) : dry conditions, then add water/dilute acid
Catalyst
- None
Chemical Equation
Equation
By-Products
- None
Observations
Observations
- No visible change (colourless liquid/solution throughout)
⚠️ 9701 Exam Notes / Pitfalls
Warning
is the standard, safer answer for aldehydes/ketones. - Mechanism: hydride ion
acts as the nucleophile attacking the carbonyl C, then protonation. - Aldehydes ➔ primary alcohols; ketones ➔ secondary alcohols.