(Acetamide)(c) Primary amines are obtained by the reduction ofcyanides with nascent hydrogen obtained by action of sodiumand ethanol or with LiAIH, or with nickel (Mendiusreaction).Na/C,H,OHRCEN + 4[HAlkyl cyanidePrimary amineRCH.Na/C H OHCH3CH2C=N +4[H] - - CH CH CH NH2Propane nitrilePropan-1-amine(Ethyl cyanide)(n-Propylamine)Why is ethanol and sodium used for the reduction ofalkyl cyanide intoAldehydes?

(Acetamide)(c) Primary amines are obtained by the reduction ofcyanides

1.	(Acetamide)(c) Primary amines are obtained by the reduction ofcyanides with nascent hydrogen obtained by action of sodiumand ethanol or with LiAIH, or with nickel (Mendiusreaction).Na/C,H,OHRCEN + 4[HAlkyl cyanidePrimary amineRCH.Na/C H OHCH3CH2C=N +4[H] - - CH CH CH NH2Propane nitrilePropan-1-amine(Ethyl cyanide)(n-Propylamine)Why is ethanol and sodium used for the reduction ofalkyl cyanide intoAldehydes?
Answer» Primarily, the reduction of cyanides to primary amines in the presence of sodium in ethanol is called as Mendius reaction. Na acts as a strong reducing agent for the reducing nitriles to primary amines and alcohol (ethanol) acts as a solvent in this process