CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Carbonyl compounds
Propanone reacts with hydrogen cyanide, , in the presence of a small amount of potassium cyanide, , as a catalyst, to form a hydroxynitrile. Explain why the addition of to propanone is a nucleophilic addition, and why is needed for the reaction to proceed at a reasonable rate. In your answer, refer to the bonding in the carbonyl group, the role of the cyanide ion, and the structure of the organic product.
6 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 6 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.
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