Aldehydes and Ketones Flashcards
What product is made when an aldehyde is reduced?
a primary alcohol
What product is made when a ketone is reduced?
a secondary alcohol
What conditions are needed for the reduction of an aldehyde or alkene?
- NaBH4 dissolved in ethanol.
- Room temperature.
What is the mechanism for this reaction?
nucleophilic addition
Name and draw the mechanism for when propanal is reduced into propan-1-ol.
Name and draw the mechanism for when butanone is reduced into butan-2-ol.
What is the functional group of a hydroxynitrile?
What is the name for the mechanism that produces a hydroxy nitrile from the reaction of an aldehyde/ketone with potassium cyanide?
nucleophilic addition
What conditions are needed for this reaction?
- potassium cyanide and dilute sulfuric acid
- room temperature
Name and draw the mechanic for the reaction of propanone and acidified KCN. Name the product made.
How can racemate mixtures form when an aldehyde or ketone reacts with potassium cyanide?
The nucleophilic attack of aldehydes and unsymmetric ketones can lead to the formation of a racemate because it can occur from either below or above the plane of the c-o double bond. Each is likely as the other.
Draw the two enantiomers that can form in the reaction of propanal and potassium cyanide.
What is potassium cyanide used for?
To release cyanide when needed.
What are the hazards that come with using potassium cyanide?
- It is toxic
- There is a risk of hydrogen cyanide being released.
What are the hazards that come with using aldehydes and ketones?
They are flammable.
