Difference between Clemmensen Reduction and Wolff-Kishner Reduction

Both Clemmensen and Wolff-Kishner reductions are used to convert carbonyl compounds (ketones and aldehydes) to alkanes, but they differ in the conditions under which they are carried out:

• Clemmensen Reduction: Uses zinc amalgam (Zn(Hg)) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), and is carried out in acidic medium.
• Wolff-Kishner Reduction: Uses hydrazine (NH2NH2) and strong base (like KOH), and is carried out in basic medium.

When to use: Clemmensen Reduction is preferred for molecules that are sensitive to basic conditions, whereas Wolff-Kishner Reduction is used for molecules that are sensitive to acidic conditions.