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
Related Chemistry A Level answers
All answers ▸Describe briefly how you would show that manganese(II) ions catalyse the reaction between manganate(VII) ions and ethanedioate ions, in dilute sulphuric acid.
How do acid buffer solutions work?
Back in 1950s, it was common to have as house cleaning items bleaching solution (containing sodium hypochlorite) and ammonia (used to remove, for example, hair dye stains). However, many people ended up in hospital after using them both, why?
What is a dynamic equilibrium?