Cyanohydrin is organic compounds with the formula RR’C(OH)CN, where alkyl or aryl groups may be R and R ‘.
Reaction
In the presence of excess sodium cyanide (NaCN) as a precursor to using cyanohydrin, aldehydes and ketones react with hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Such reactions are classified as reactions to cyanohydrins.
RR’C=O + HCN → RR’C(OH)CN
The useful synthetic intermediates are Cyanohydrins.
