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Q. Which of the followings is most reactive towards addition reaction of hydrogen cyanide to form corresponding cyanohydrin?

MHT CETMHT CET 2018Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Solution:

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is most reactive towards addition reaction of hydrogen cyanide because it is least sterically hindered.

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The order of reactivity towards addition of hydrogen cyanide is a follows:

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Note In case of ketones, only acetone, butanone, pentan-3-one and pinacolone form cyanohydrin. The failure with bulky ketones is largely due to steric effects