Aldehyde and ketones are carbonyl compounds containing a carbonyl group C = O.
The reduction of the carbonyl group gives an alcohol.
(1) Primary alcohols are prepared by the reduction of aldehydes.
Example :
When acetaldehyde is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of nickel as catalyst and at high temperature, ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is obtained.
(2) Secondary alcohols are prepared by the reduction of ketones.
Example :
When acetone is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of nickel as catalyst and at high temperature, isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol) is obtained.
