Chemistry · Aldehydes and Ketones
Work through this past-paper style MCQ, then read the full explanation. Practice more chemistry questions on mMCQ with adaptive practice and topic analytics.
The Addition of Hydrogen cyanide to Formaldehydes gives which product?
- A
2: Hydroxypropanoic acid
- B
2: Methylpropanenitrile
- C
Hydroxyacetonitrile
- D
2: Hydroxypropanenitrile
Hydroxyacetonitriles can be formed by the condensation of cyanide and formaldehyde.
2-hydroxypropanoic acid, also known as lactic acid, is formed through a different pathway involving the oxidation of lactaldehyde, an intermediate in glucose metabolism.
2-methyl propane nitrile refers to a branched alkyl nitrile, which is not a product of the given reaction.
The correct answer is hydroxyacetonitrile (Option C).
Hydroxyacetonitriles can be formed by the condensation of cyanide and formaldehyde.
2-hydroxypropane nitrile is also not formed by the addition of hydrogen cyanide to formaldehyde. This compound, like option B, refers to a different structure and is not a product of the given reaction.
Tagged under Chemistry · Aldehydes and Ketones · 2021