The most reactive compound towards formation of cyanohydrin on treatment with KCN followed by acidification is

The most reactive compound towards formation of cyanohydrin on treatment with KCN followed by acidification is
  1. benzaldehyde
  2. $p$ -nitrobenzaldehyde
  3. phenylacetaldehyde
  4. $p$ -hydroxybenzaldehyde

Solution

$-\mathrm{NO}_{2}$ group is electron withdrawing which enchances the addition of $\mathrm{CN}^{-}$ ion (a nucleophili additon reaction). ^

Asked in: JEE-TOPICTESTS-CHEMISTRY

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