Another one which uses a zinc catalyst and hydrochloric acid serves a similar function to one using hydrazine and a basic second step.
Acyloins can be formed from esters using metallic sodium when using an inert solvent, but if the solvent is protic under otherwise similar conditions, a reaction of this type takes place instead. A reaction of this type occurs in the second step of the Julia Olefination to produce an alkene. One reaction of this type produces 1,4 cyclohexadienes using (*) sodium metal and ammonia. Another one which uses a zinc catalyst and hydrochloric acid serves a similar function to one using hydrazine and a basic second step. For 10 points name this type of reaction which often involves the hydrogenation of a pi bond, such as the conversion of benzene to cyclohexane, including ones named after Birch and Clemmensen.
Acyloins can be formed from esters using metallic sodium when using an inert solvent, but if the solvent is protic under otherwise similar conditions, a reaction of this type takes place instead.
Reductions [accept condensation before "protic"]