Question

the most reactive compound towards formation of cyanohydrin

Answer 1

The most reactive compound towards formation of cyanohydrin on treatment with KCN followed by acidification is                                        [

A)                 Benzaldehyde  

B)                 p-Nitrobenzaldehyde

C)                 Phenyl acetaldehyde    

D)                 p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde

Correct Answer: B

Solution :

               Due to electron withdrawing nature of NO2 group, the partial +ve charge on the carbon atom of the >C=O group in p-nitrobenzaldehyde increases and hence becomes more susceptible to nucleophilic attack by CN−ion.

Answer 2

 

p-N itrobenzaldehyde is the most reactive compound