This question contains two statements: Statement 1 and Statement 2. This question has four alternative choices, only one of which is the correct answer.
Statement 1 : The reaction of aldehydes and ketones with pure HCN is very slow to yield cyanohydrin.
Statement 2 : The above reaction is catalysed by a base and generated cyanide ion being a weaker nucleophile adds to carbonyl compounds to yield, corresponding cyanohydrin.

Options

A. Statement 1 is True, statement 2 is True, Statement 2 is Correct explanation for Statement 1.
B. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is True, Statement 2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement 1.
C. Statement 1 is True, Statement 2 is False.
D. Statement 1 is False, Statement 2 is True.

Answer

C

Explanation

ldehydes and ketones react with hydrogen cyanide to yield cyanohydrins. This reaction occurs very slowly with pure HCN. Therefore, it is catalysed by a base and the generated cyanide ion (`CN^(-)`) being a stronger nucleophile readily adds to carbonyl compounds to yield corresponding cyanohydrin.