KEY CONCEPT
In a reaction with HCN, −:CN: is the nucleophile; the carbonyl carbon is the electrophile.
MCAT Concept Check 6.2:
Before you move on, assess your understanding of the material with these questions.
When an aldehyde or ketone is reacted with one equivalent of an alcohol, what occurs?
What would be different if it were reacted with two equivalents in acidic conditions?Aldehyde or ketone + 1 equivalent of alcohol: Aldehyde or ketone + 2 equivalents of alcohol: When nitrogen or nitrogen-containing derivatives react with aldehydes and ketones, what
type of reaction happens, and what functional group is formed?When HCN reacts with an aldehyde or ketone, what functional group is produced? Is the
product stable?