Explain why the product of nucleophilic addition of a cyanide ion to the ketone CH3COCH2CH3 shows no optical activity

The ketone group is planar and the cyanide ion has equal chance of attacking above or below the plane. Therefore a racemic mixture of the product is formed and the product shows no optical activity

HT
Answered by Hannah T. Chemistry tutor

2824 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do Copper and Chromium only have 1 electron in their S orbitals?


How can I improve my exam technique?


What are isotopes?


What is chirality/optical isomerism?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning