Class 12 Chemistry simulations · Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl group

Watch CN⁻ attack the carbonyl carbon and compare how reactive methanal, ethanal and propanone are.

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What to notice

Aldehydes are more reactive than ketones: alkyl groups crowd the carbonyl carbon and push electrons into it, making it less positive.

Key relation

R₂C=O + HCN → R₂C(OH)CN (cyanohydrin)

Try this

Which compound reacts fastest with HCN?

What you can change

• Carbonyl compound: 1 to 3
• Progress: 0 to 100 %

More in Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

• Strength of carboxylic acids

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