What type of reaction is commonly used to convert ketones to alcohols?

The conversion of ketones to alcohols is classified as a reduction reaction. In organic chemistry, reduction typically involves the addition of hydrogen or the removal of oxygen, thereby increasing the hydrogen-to-oxygen ratio. Ketones can be reduced by various methods, most commonly using reducing agents such as lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) or sodium borohydride (NaBH4).

During this process, the carbonyl group (C=O) of the ketone is transformed into a hydroxyl group (–OH), resulting in the formation of the corresponding secondary alcohol. The conversion exemplifies the general characteristic of reduction, where the oxidation state of the carbon atom in the ketone decreases as it gains hydrogen.

Hydrolysis typically involves the breakdown of compounds with water but is not relevant in this conversion. Oxidation is the opposite process, where an alcohol could be converted back into a carbonyl compound, and dehydration involves the loss of water during reactions typically seen in the formation of alkenes. Hence, reduction is the appropriate classification for the reaction that leads to the formation of alcohols from ketones.