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

12408 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

State what is meant by the term structural isomer?


Explain the difference in reactivity between benzene and phenol with bromine?


Determine Ka of a monohydric acid if the pH=2 and the initial concentration is 0.445 mol/L!


State and explain the trend in ionisation energies and its effect on the reactivity of groups containing metals.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning