In the reaction CH_3CHO + HCN to CH_3CH(OH)CN | vedclass

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(D) The reaction of acetaldehyde $(CH_3CHO)$ with $HCN$ is a nucleophilic addition reaction. Since the carbonyl carbon in $CH_3CHO$ is $sp^2$ hybridiz

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$50\% \ D + 50\% \ L$ isomer

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(D) The reaction of acetaldehyde $(CH_3CHO)$ with $HCN$ is a nucleophilic addition reaction. Since the carbonyl carbon in $CH_3CHO$ is $sp^2$ hybridized and planar,the cyanide ion $(CN^-)$ can attack from either side of the plane with equal probability. This leads to the formation of a racemic mixture of the cyanohydrin intermediate. Subsequent hydrolysis of the cyanohydrin to the carboxylic acid ($CH_3CH(OH)COOH$,lactic acid) preserves this racemic nature. Therefore,the final product is a $50\% \ D$ and $50\% \ L$ mixture,which is a racemic mixture.

In the reaction $CH_3CHO + HCN \to CH_3CH(OH)CN \xrightarrow{H_3O^+} CH_3CH(OH)COOH$,an asymmetric center is generated. The acid obtained would be:

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