Q3. Write down functional isomers of a carbonyl compound with molecular formula C3H6O. Which isomer will react faster with HCN and why? Explain the mechanism of the reaction also. Will the reaction lead to the completion with the conversion of the whole reactant into product reaction conditions? If a strong acid is added to the reaction mixture, what will be the effect on the concentration of the product and why?
Answer: Functional isomers of C3H6O containing carbonyl group are CH3CH2CHO (Propanal) and CH3COCH3 (Propanone). (a) Propanal CH3CH2CHO will react faster with HCN because less steric hindrance and electronic factors increase its electrophilicity. (b) It does not lead to completion because it is a reversible reaction. Equilibrium is established, (c) If A strong acid is added to the reaction mixture, the reaction is inhibited because the production of CN– ions is prevented.
