describe: (a) the reduction of aldehydes and ketones using NaBH\(_4\) or LiAlH\(_4\) to produce alcohols (b) the reaction of aldehydes and ketones with HCN, KCN as catalyst, and heat to produce hydroxymitriles as exemplified by ethanol and propanone
explain and use the terms oxidising agent and reducing agent
recall the reactions (reagents and conditions) by which alkanes can be produced: (a) addition of hydrogen to an alkene in a hydrogenation reaction, \( H_2(g) \) and Pt/Ni catalyst and heat (b) cracking of a longer chain alkane, heat with \( Al_2O_3 \)