Question

Which of the following carbonyl compounds reacts with HCN at a faster rate?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

Electron-withdrawing groups increase the reactivity of carbonyl compounds by making the carbonyl carbon more electrophilic, thus facilitating nucleophilic attack.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

- The carbonyl compound with the electron-withdrawing group (-NO\(_2\)) attached to the aromatic ring, as shown in option (1), will react with HCN at a faster rate due to the increased partial positive charge on the carbonyl carbon.
- The other options have electron-donating groups like -Me (methyl group), which reduce the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon and slow down the reaction with HCN.
Thus, the correct answer is (1).