In this reaction : CH _3 CHO + HCN CH _3 CH(OH)CN H.OH CH _3 CH(OH)COOH an asymmetric centre is generated. The acid obtained would be :

NEET 2003 Chemistry question

In this reaction : an asymmetric centre is generated. The acid obtained would be :

(1)D-isomer
(2)L-isomer
(3)50% D + 50% L-isomerCorrect
(4)20% D + 80% L-isomer

Answer: (3)

Solution

The carbonyl carbon of acetaldehyde is and planar, so the nucleophile can attack equally well from either face. Attack from the two faces gives the two enantiomers of the cyanohydrin in equal amounts. Hydrolysis of the nitrile does not

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Question ID VK-089209