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NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3o1061

In the formation of a cyanohydrin from a ketone with HCN and a trace of base, the species that attacks the carbonyl carbon is

A $CN X^{-}$
B $HCN$
C $H X^{+}$
D $OH X^{-}$

Answer: A

The base converts a little HCN into

CN X^{-}

, which is the actual nucleophile (HCN is a very poor nucleophile).

CN X^{-}

adds to the carbonyl carbon and the alkoxide is then protonated by HCN.

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