The increasing order of the rate of HCN addition to compounds A-D is — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

We know that HCN is a good nucleophile so here the rate of the reaction will depend upon two main factors i.e. inductive effect and the steric factor. The low reactivity of the ketones over the aldehydes is due to the presence of +I group i.e. the alkyl group and the steric hindrance. The aromatic aldehydes and ketones are less reactive than the aliphatic aldehydes due to the presence of +R effect of the benzene ring. Hence, the correct answer is option (c)