Question

Arrange the following compounds in the increasing order of their reactivity towards HCN.
I. Acetaldehyde
II. Acetone
III. Methyl-tert-butyl ketone
IV. Di-tert-butyl ketone

• A. III < II < IV < I
• B. II < I < IV < II
• C. IV < III < II < I
• D. II < IV < I < III

Answer 1

The correct option is C IV < III < II < I

More electron-withdrawing group favours NA reaction (nucleophilic addition reaction), whereas the electron-donating group decreases reactivity towards NA reaction or reactivity towards HCN.

So, increasing the order of reactivity towards HCN is IV < III < II < I.