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A-LevelChemistryCarbonyl compounds9701/12 · Oct/Nov 2014 · Q371 Mark

Propanal will react with hydrogen cyanide to form 2-hydroxybutanenitrile. A suitable catalyst for this reaction is sodium cyanide. NaCN CH₃CH₂CHO + HCN CH₃CH₂CH(OH)CN Which statements about the reaction of propanal with hydrogen cyanide are correct? 1 The CN⁻ ion attacks the propanal molecule to form an intermediate ion. 2 The product of the reaction has a chiral carbon atom. 3 The CN⁻ ion is a stronger electrophile than the HCN molecule.

A1, 2 and 3 are correct
B1 and 2 only are correct
C2 and 3 only are correct
D1 only is correct

✓ Correct answer

B: 1 and 2 only are correct

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About this question

Topic
Carbonyl compounds, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Multiple choice, 1 mark.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, Oct/Nov 2014 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 37.

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