When 1,1-dichloropropane and 2,2-dichloro propane are reacted separately with aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, compounds A and B are formed. Both A and B gave the same product C on reduction using amalga-mated zinc and HCl. Identify C.

The compound C formed on reduction of both A (from 1,1-dichloropropane) and B (from 2,2-dichloropropane) using amalgamated zinc and HCl is propane (C₃H₈).

How this works (according to the image):

• 2,2-dichloropropane reacts with aqueous KOH to give 2,2-dihydroxypropane, which on loss of water forms acetone. Acetone is then reduced to propane.
• 1,1-dichloropropane reacts similarly to give 1,1-dihydroxypropane, which on dehydration gives propionaldehyde. Propionaldehyde is then reduced (with Zn-Hg/HCl) to propane.

Thus, in both cases, the final product C is propane.

C = Propane (C₃H₈)

This is shown in the image, where both paths converge at PROPANE as the final product.