Explain how a hydroxynitrile is produced from a ketone

Hydroxynitriles are produced from ketones by a nucleophilic addition reaction. The negatively charged cyanide ion from KCN is attracted to the partially positive carbon on the carbonyl group. This causes one of the bonds on the Carbon-Oxygen double bond to break. This produces a negatively charged oxygen with a free lone pair of electrons. The lone pair acts as a nucleophile to a H+ in the HCl, adding it to produce a hydroxynitrile.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is electronegativity?


The enthalpy change for the forward reaction is -92kJ/mol. State and explain how the value of Kp would change if the temperature was increased.


What is the electronic configuration for the sodium ion, Na+ ?


How do I predict the shape and bond angle of an molecule?


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 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy