The most reactive compound towards the formation of cyanohydrin on treatment with KCN followed by acidification is
A
Benzaldehyde
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B
P-Nitrobenzaldehyde
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C
Phenyl Acetaldehyde
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D
P-Hydroxybenzaldehyde
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Solution
The correct option is B P-Nitrobenzaldehyde The addition of HCN to a carbonyl compound is a nucleophilic addition reaction.
Due to electron withdrawing nature of NO2 group, the partial +ve charge on the carbon atom of the carbonyl group in p-nitro-benzaldehyde increases and hence becomes more susceptible for nucleophilic attack by CN– ion.