MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #403

When a cyanide ion attacks the carbonyl carbon of Propanal, what is the approximate bond angle around that carbon in the resulting intermediate?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #403

  1. Question 1

    Q1. When a cyanide ion attacks the carbonyl carbon of Propanal, what is the approximate bond angle around that carbon in the resulting intermediate?

    • A) 90 degrees
    • B) 120 degrees
    • C) 109.5 degrees
    • D) 180 degrees

    Answer: 109.5 degrees

    Explanation: In nucleophilic addition, the carbonyl carbon changes from sp2 (120 degrees) to sp3 (109.5 degrees). Option B represents the trigonal planar starting state.