Question

In this reaction
$ \ce{CH3CHO +HCN -> CH3CH(OH)CN} $
$ \ce{ ->[\text{H $ \cdot $ OH}] CH3CH(OH)COOH} $
an asymmetric centre is generated. The acid obtained would be

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

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Lactic acid obtained in the given reaction is an optically active compound due to the presence of chiral $C$-atom. It exits as $d$ and $l$ forms whose ratio is $1 :1$.