Hydrogenation. II. Mechanism of the catalytic reduction of ketones (and enol derivatives) in alcoholic acid solution

A mechanism is proposed for the formation of ethers and alkanes by the alcoholic acidic reduction of ketones with Adam's catalyst. An enol precursor for the alcohol formation seems logical, while enol, enolether and a half hydrogenated carbonium ion (HHC) also play a role in the formation of ethers and alkanes, as depicted in chart II.