The product obtained from the catalytic reduction of propanal is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Propan-1-ol
Aldehydes and ketones are reduced to alcohols by hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst (Ni, Pt or Pd) — catalytic hydrogenation. Aldehydes give primary alcohols; ketones give secondary alcohols.
\( \ce{CH3CH2CHO + H2} \xrightarrow{\text{Ni, Pt or Pd}} \ce{CH3CH2CH2OH} \) (propan-1-ol)
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) Propan-2-ol — Incorrect. A secondary alcohol; it is the reduction product of propanone (a ketone), not propanal.
Option (3) Propanone — Incorrect. A ketone; reduction adds hydrogen and turns C=O into CH–OH, it does not move the carbonyl group.
Option (4) Propanoic acid — Incorrect. The oxidation product of propanal, not the reduction product.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
By Reduction of Aldehydes and Ketones
