JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3o1224
The cyclic ketone shown is treated with sodium cyanide and acid, and the resulting product is then heated with aqueous acid. Which structure is the final product?
AStructure A
BStructure B
CStructure C
DStructure D
Answer: D
Cyclopentanone adds HCN to give the cyanohydrin, 1-hydroxycyclopentanecarbonitrile. Hot aqueous acid hydrolyses the nitrile to a carboxylic acid without removing the tertiary OH, giving 1-hydroxycyclopentanecarboxylic acid.