MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 85: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 85
10. In a reaction between hydrogen cyanide, butyraldehyde, and ethylmethylketone, which compounds will come together to form the major product?
- A. Butyraldehyde and hydrogen cyanide
- B. Ethylmethylketone and butyraldehyde
- C. Hydrogen cyanide and ethylmethylketone
- D. No reaction will occur.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Although both the aldehyde and ketone listed will be reactive with the strongly nucleophilic hydrogen cyanide, aldehydes are slightly more reactive toward nucleophiles than ketones for steric reasons, so the aldehyde and HCN will form the major product (which will be a cyanohydrin).