The Aldehyde CH3CH2CHO (A) reacts with HCN to give a racemic mixture, name the compound CH3CH2CH(CN)OH (B) formed and explain why we get a racemic mixture and how we could differentiate between two different enantiomerically pure solutions of B

B = R/S 2-hydroxybutanenitrile
we get a racemic mixture because the carbon in the aldehyde where the nucleophile attacks has a trigonal planar geometry and so there is an equal chance of attack by the nucleophile from either side of the aldehyde to give two products which are not superimposable upon each other.
Each solution would rotate plane polarised light by equal amounts but in opposite directions.

JV
Answered by Jake V. Chemistry tutor

11654 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Write an expression and units for equilibrium constant for this reaction: 2SO2(g)+O2(g)<-->2SO3(g)


Describe two different test tube reactions to identify the following organic compounds: propanal and benzoic acid.


What is covalent character, how does it arise. List a compound it does affect and explain the resulting properties covalent character affects.


Why is the first ionisation energy lower in barium compared to calcium?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences