Question
Chemistry Question on Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
A carbonyl compound reacts with hydrogen cyanide to form cyanohydrin which on hydrolysis forms a racemic mixture of α-hydroxy acid. The carbonyl compound is:
A
acetaldehyde
B
acetone
C
diethyl ketone
D
formaldehyde
Answer
acetaldehyde
Explanation
Solution
When acetaldehyde reacts with hydrogen cyanide (HCN), it produces cyanohydrin, specifically CH₃CH(OH)CN. Upon hydrolysis, this compound transforms into a racemic mixture of α-hydroxy acid, which is CH₃CH(OH)COOH. Because the cyanohydrin derived from acetaldehyde contains a chiral center, the hydrolysis of this compound yields a racemic mixture of α-hydroxy acid.
So, the correct option is (A): acetaldehyde