Clemmensen reduction of a ketone is carried out in the presence of:

CONCEPT:

Clemmensen Reduction

• Clemmensen reduction is a chemical reaction used to reduce ketones to the corresponding alkanes.
• It involves the use of zinc amalgam (Zn-Hg) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
• The mechanism proceeds through the formation of a zinc intermediate that facilitates the reduction.

EXPLANATION:

• In Clemmensen reduction, the conditions required are acidic and involve the use of metal catalysts.
• The reduction of the ketone occurs in the presence of Zn-Hg and HCl, which provides the necessary electrons for the reduction process.
• Therefore, the correct answer is option 2: Zn-Hg with HCl.

Therefore, Clemmensen reduction of a ketone is carried out in the presence of Zn-Hg with HCl.