Instructions: Consider the data below to answer the following question(s).
Cyanohydrins are important intermediates in the synthesis of $\alpha$-hydroxycarboxylic acids from ketones and aldehydes. The nitrile functional group can be hydrolyzed by aqueous acid to yield a carboxylic acid. Nitriles can also be hydrolyzed to carboxylic acids using aqueous base. When a cyanohydrin is treated with aqueous base, however, the original carbonyl compound is isolated.
-Refer to instructions. The reaction of an aldehyde with hydrogen cyanide is an example of _____ reaction.

Question

Instructions: Consider the data below to answer the following question(s).
Cyanohydrins are important intermediates in the synthesis of $\alpha$-hydroxycarboxylic acids from ketones and aldehydes. The nitrile functional group can be hydrolyzed by aqueous acid to yield a carboxylic acid. Nitriles can also be hydrolyzed to carboxylic acids using aqueous base. When a cyanohydrin is treated with aqueous base, however, the original carbonyl compound is isolated. 
-Refer to instructions. The reaction of an aldehyde with hydrogen cyanide is an example of _____ reaction.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction of an aldehyde with hydrogen cyanide involves the addition of a nucleophile (cyano ion) to the electrophilic carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde, resulting in the formation of a cyanohydrin. Hence, it is a nucleophilic addition reaction.

Instructions: Consider the Data Below to Answer the Following Question(s) α\alphaα

Instructions: Consider the Data Below to Answer the Following Question(s) $\alpha$