Assertion : Only a small amount of HCl is required in the reduction of nitro compounds with iron scrap and HCl in the presence of steam.
Reason : FeCl2 formed gets hydrolysed to release HCl during the reaction.
Note : In the following questions a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason is given. Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
Nitro compounds on reduction give amines as products.
The reaction can use hydrogen gas passed over finely divided nickel, palladium or platinum, but iron scrap metal and small amount of HCl is used in the presence of steam preferably. This is because FeCl2 formed gets hydrolysed to release hydrochloric acid during the reaction.
Thus, only a small amount of hydrochloric acid is required to start the reaction.