The most reactive compound towards formation of cyanohydrin on treatment with KCN followed by acidification is

Options

A. Benzaldehyde
B. p-Nitrobenzaldehyde
C. Phenyl acetaldehyde
D. p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde.

Answer

B

Explanation

Due to electron withdrawing nature of `NO_(2)` group, the partial `+ve` charge on the carbon atom of the `gtC=O` group in p-nitrobenzaldehyde increases and hence becomes more susceptible nuleophilic attack by `CN^(-)` ion.