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Why does pure HCN fail to react with ald...

Why does pure HCN fail to react with aldehydes and ketones ?

Text Solution

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HCN is mainly a covalent compound and can not provides `CN^(-)` ion readily for the nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl compound. The reaction is carried in the presence of base which helps in the ionisation of the acid to liberate `CN^(-)` ion.
`HCN + OH^(-) rarr H_(2)O + CN^(-)`
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