Question

In this reaction
$CH_{3}CHO+HCN \rightarrow CH_{3}CH\left(\right.OH\left.\right)CN\overset{H O H}{ \rightarrow }CH_{3}CH\left(\right.OH\left.\right)COOH$
a symmetric centre is generated. The acid obtained would be

• A. D-isomer
• B. L-isomer
• C. 50% D + 50% L-isomer
• D. 20% D + 80% L-isomer

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Lactic acid $\left(\right.CH_{3}CH\left(\right.OH\left.\right)COOH\left.\right)$ is an optically active compound due to the presence of asymmetric carbon atom. It exists in D- and L-form, the ratio of which is found to be (1:1), i.e., a racemic mixture is obtained.