Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Wolff-Kishner reaction

noun Wolff-Kish·ner reaction \ ˈwu̇lfˈkishnə(r)- \

Definition of Wolff-Kishner reaction

: an indirect reduction of an aldehyde or ketone to the corresponding hydrocarbon by heating the hydrazone or semicarbazone derivative with an alcoholic solution of sodium ethoxide or with solid potassium hydroxide

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of wolff-kishner reaction

after Ludwig Wolff fl1914 and N. Kishner fl1914 German chemists

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up Wolff-Kishner reaction? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games