Chemistry-Nucleophilic Addition

NEET Chemistry Nucleophilic Addition MCQ Question

Type: MCQ-numerical-Medium-Class 12

When hydrogen cyanide (HCN) reacts with an aldehyde to form a cyanohydrin, what is the hybridization state of the carbon atom in the intermediate alkoxide ion before it captures a proton? Assume the reaction occurs with 0.5 M HCN in the presence of a base catalyst.

A

sp2

B

sp3

C

sp

D

sp3d

Correct Answer

Option B

Detailed Explanation

During the nucleophilic addition of HCN to an aldehyde, the carbon atom in the carbonyl group undergoes a change in hybridization from sp2 to sp3 as it forms a tetrahedral alkoxide intermediate, before capturing a proton to form the cyanohydrin.

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