Instructions: Consider the data below to answer the following question(s). Cyanohydrins are important intermediates in the synthesis of a-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 a-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 is an example of nucleophilic addition, as the nucleophilic cyanide ion attacks the electrophilic carbon atom in the aldehyde's carbonyl group, leading to the formation of a cyanohydrin.

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