Nucelophilic Addition Reactions

Question 1

Hydrogen cyanide conditions

Answer 1

Carried out in an aqueous alkaline solution containing potassium cyanide KCN

Question 2

Hydrogen cyanide equations

Answer 2

RCHO + KCN —> ROHCN
RCOR + KCN —>RCNOHR

Question 3

Hydrogen cyanide nomenclature

Answer 3

-OH is the prefix hydroxy-
-CN has the ending -nitrile

Question 4

Optical activity as evidence

Answer 4

Step 1 there is an equal change of cyanide attacking from either side so there is a chiral carbon
Forms a racemic mixture with no optical activity

Question 5

Brady’s reagent
Positive test

Answer 5

Reagent reacts with most carbonyl compounds to form a bright orange solid giving a positive test.

Question 6

Melting temperature of products use

Answer 6

Products can be filtered purified and dried.
Melting point can be found and compared to experimental values in data book to find identity of original carbonyl compound.