Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)

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Question 3
Medium

Ethanal (CH3CHO\text{CH}_3\text{CHO}CH3​CHO) reacts with the weak acid HCN\text{HCN}HCN to form a hydroxynitrile. This hydroxynitrile is usually prepared by the reaction of ethanal with KCN\text{KCN}KCN followed by dilute acid, instead of using HCN\text{HCN}HCN alone.

a.

State one hazard associated with the use of KCN\text{KCN}KCN.

[1]
b.

Suggest a chemical reason, other than safety, why KCN\text{KCN}KCN is used instead of HCN\text{HCN}HCN.

[2]
c.

Outline the nucleophilic addition mechanism for the reaction of ethanal with KCN\text{KCN}KCN followed by dilute acid.

[4]

Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only) Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)