Chemistry A-Level
Cyanohydrin formation with HCN
What Cyanohydrin formation with HCN means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Cyanohydrin formation with HCN
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Cyanohydrin formation with HCN in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The cyanide ion CN⁻ attacks the carbonyl carbon, the π bond breaks to give an alkoxide, and H⁺ protonates the oxygen to give a hydroxynitrile.
Topics that use Cyanohydrin formation with HCN
- Carbonyl compounds (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine test
- 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone
- Acidified dichromate(VI) as oxidising agent
- acidified potassium dichromate(VI)
- Aldehyde versus ketone distinction
- Carbon–carbon bond formation
- Carbonyl group confirmation
- Carbonyl group detection
Using Cyanohydrin formation with HCN in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Chemistry A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge