Stephen Reduction (RCN + SnCl₂/HCl → [RCH=NH·HCl] → RCHO (after hydrolysis))
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RCN + SnCl₂/HCl → [RCH=NH·HCl] → RCHO (after hydrolysis)
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| HCl | Acid medium |
| RCN | Nitrile (alkyl/aryl cyanide) |
| SnCl₂ | Stannous chloride — mild reducing agent |
| RCH=NH·HCl | Aldimine salt (intermediate) |
When to use this
Partial reduction of nitrile to imine (aldimine) salt, then hydrolysis to aldehyde. SnCl₂/HCl is selective — does not over-reduce to amine.