Question

Which of the following is formed, when benzaldehyde reacts with alcoholic $KCN$ ?

• A. Benzoin
• B. Benzyl alcohol
• C. Benzoic acid
• D. Ethyl benzoate

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$\underset{\text{Benzaldehyde }}{2C_6{H}_{5}CHO}\stackrel{\text{alc}.KCN}{\to }{C}_6{H}_5\underset{\text{Benzoin}}{CH(OH)}CO{C}_6{H}_5$

Thus in this reaction benzoin is formed. The reaction is known as benzoin condensation.