Predict the major product for the following reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction involves the nucleophilic attack of cyanide ion on the carbocation intermediate formed upon protonation of the alcohol. This leads to the formation of a cyanohydrin. In this case, since the alcohol has a benzylic position, the resulting carbocation is stabilized by resonance with the aromatic ring. This makes the formation of the intermediate and subsequent product more favorable than the other possible products. Therefore, the major product is III.

Predict the Major Product for the Following Reaction