NEET
- Exam
- NEET
- Subject
- Chemistry
- Chapter
- Aldehydes and Ketones
NEET · Chemistry · Aldehydes and Ketones
Why is the addition of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to aldehydes and...
Why is the addition of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to aldehydes and ketones catalysed by a base?
Options
- ATo increase the reaction rate
- BTo decrease the reaction rate
- CTo eliminate the need for HCN
- DTo generate a stronger nucleophile
Correct answer
A. To increase the reaction rate
Step-by-step solution
The addition of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to aldehydes and ketones is catalysed by a base to increase the reaction rate, as it occurs very slowly with pure HCN.