Question

Draw the products of each reaction.

a.

b.

Short answer

a.

b.

Step-by-step solution

Reaction of an aldehyde with NaCN

The treatment of aldehyde with NaCN in the presence of HCl results in the formation of a secondary alcohol.

Product formation in a and b

a.

The reaction of benzaldehyde with NaCN followed by HCl results in the formation of 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetonitrile as shown below:

Products formed in a

b.

The reaction of 1-hydroxycyclopentanecarbonitrile with ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ followed by heat results in the formation of 1-hydroxycyclopentanecarboxylic acid as shown below:

Products formed in B