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

3022 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What key factors would you use to analyse a high resolution proton NMR spectrum


what is entropy in terms of disorder?


A solution of ethanoic acid in water has a concentration of 3 g/dm^3. Given that the pKa of ethanoic acid is 4.76, calculate the pH of this solution.


BeCl2 has a linear shape with a bond angle of 180 degrees, where as H2O has a bent shape with a bond angle of 104.5 degrees. Explain why these molecules have different shapes despite having the same general formula of AB2.


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