Question:medium

A and B in the following reactions are : 
HCN/KCN

Updated On: Apr 27, 2026
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The given reaction is a two-step process involving the conversion of a carbonyl compound into an amino alcohol. Let's analyze the steps involved:

  1. The first step involves the reaction of a carbonyl compound with HCN/KCN to form a cyanohydrin. Here, the carbonyl group undergoes nucleophilic addition with the cyanide ion (CN-), forming the intermediate "A". The intermediate "A" is the cyanohydrin of the carbonyl compound.

  2. In the second step, the cyanohydrin (intermediate "A") undergoes further reaction to convert into an amino alcohol. This step typically involves reduction, where the nitrile group (C≡N) of the cyanohydrin is reduced to an amine group (CH2NH2) using reducing agents.

Thus, the structure of "A" is the cyanohydrin of the original carbonyl compound, and the structure of "B" is an amino alcohol.

The correct option representing the compounds "A" and "B" is:

Correct answer diagram

This transformation is showcased in the above image where the cyanohydrin is converted into the corresponding amino alcohol.

Was this answer helpful?
0