Hydroxynitriles

Question 1

What are hydroxynitriles?

Answer 1

molecules that contain a hydroxyl group and a nitrile group

Question 2

What mechanism do you use to create a hydroxynitrile?

Answer 2

nucleophilic addition

Question 3

What can you use to create a hydroxynitrile?

Answer 3

aldehydes

ketones

Question 4

How can you create a racemic mixture of hydroxynitriles?

Answer 4

The C=O and C=C bonds are planar so there is an equal chance of attack from the nucleophile so there are equal quantities of each enantiomer

Question 5

What precautions do you need to take when producing hydroxynitriles?

Answer 5

• KCN is toxic
• Fume cupboard as HCN may be released
• organic compounds are flammable so use a water bath