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CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 17.1.3 Reactions of Hydrogen Cyanide Questions

Practise CAIE 9701 HCN addition to aldehydes and ketones, drawing the CN− attack, tetrahedral intermediate, proton transfer and regenerated catalyst.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Chemistry 9701
Level
AS

Exam points

  • draw CN− attacking the δ+ carbonyl carbon while the C=O electron pair moves to oxygen
  • show the tetrahedral O− intermediate with the new C–CN bond and all relevant charges
  • protonate O− using HCN and show regeneration of CN− as the catalyst

CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 17.1.3 Reactions of Hydrogen Cyanide Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The mechanism for the reaction between ethanal and hydrogen cyanide starts with the step shown.

Figure for Question CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 17.1.3 Reactions of Hydrogen Cyanide Questions question 1 — CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS

What is the correct structure of the intermediate ion formed, and what is the next step in this mechanism?

A
Figure for Question CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 17.1.3 Reactions of Hydrogen Cyanide Questions question 1 — CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS — Option A
B
Figure for Question CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 17.1.3 Reactions of Hydrogen Cyanide Questions question 1 — CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS — Option B
C
Figure for Question CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 17.1.3 Reactions of Hydrogen Cyanide Questions question 1 — CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS — Option C
D
Figure for Question CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS 17.1.3 Reactions of Hydrogen Cyanide Questions question 1 — CAIE A-Level Chemistry AS — Option D
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