MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #341

A chemist attempts to synthesize a cyanohydrin from ethanal using pure HCN. Why is the reaction rate significantly increased by adding a base?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #341

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A chemist attempts to synthesize a cyanohydrin from ethanal using pure HCN. Why is the reaction rate significantly increased by adding a base?

    • A) Use of absolute ethanol as a solvent
    • B) Addition of concentrated sulfuric acid as catalyst
    • C) Maintaining a basic medium to generate cyanide ions
    • D) Removal of water to prevent hydrolysis of products

    Answer: Maintaining a basic medium to generate cyanide ions

    Explanation: Cyanide ions must be generated by a base (NaCN/HCl). Pure HCN is a weak acid and provides insufficient nucleophiles for the reaction.