Question

A carbonyl compound reacts with hydrogen cyanide to form cyanohydrin which on hydrolysis forms a recemic mixrture of `alpha`-hydroxy acid. The carbonyl compound `D`.
A. acetaldehyde
B. acetone
C. diethyl ketone
D. formaldehyde

Answer 1

Correct Answer - A

In this reaction, by the complete hydrolysis of cyanide gives acid and partial hydrolysis gives amide.
If it is racemic mixture, therefore such C-atom must be asymmetric carbon atom.