Question

Give equations for the addition of HCN to an aldehyde and a ketone.

Short answer

Answer: The equations for the addition of HCN to an aldehyde and a ketone are as follows: - Aldehyde: RCHO + HCN -> RC(OH)(CN)H - Ketone: RC(=O)R' + HCN -> RC(OH)(CN)R'

Step-by-step solution

Recall the general structure of aldehydes and ketones

Keep in mind that aldehydes have the general formula RCHO, where the carbonyl group (C=O) is attached to a hydrogen atom and an R group (which can be any alkyl group). Ketones, on the other hand, have the general formula RC(=O)R', where the carbonyl group is bonded to two different R groups.

Write the reaction between HCN and aldehyde

When HCN reacts with an aldehyde, the carbonyl carbon undergoes nucleophilic addition, as the cyanide ion from HCN attacks it. As a result, the carbonyl group gets reduced to an alcohol group, and the nitrile group gets attached to the carbon. The general equation is: RCHO + HCN -> RC(OH)(CN)H

Write the reaction between HCN and ketone

Similarly, when HCN reacts with a ketone, the carbonyl carbon undergoes nucleophilic addition, as the cyanide ion from HCN attacks it. The carbonyl group again gets reduced to an alcohol group, and the nitrile group gets attached to the carbon. The general equation is: RC(=O)R' + HCN -> RC(OH)(CN)R' These are the equations for the addition of HCN to an aldehyde and a ketone.