Ethanol reacts with potassium cyanide, followed by dilute acid, to form 2-hydroxypropanenitrile - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 3
Question 4
Ethanol reacts with potassium cyanide, followed by dilute acid, to form 2-hydroxypropanenitrile.
1. Name the mechanism for the reaction between potassium cyanide an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Ethanol reacts with potassium cyanide, followed by dilute acid, to form 2-hydroxypropanenitrile - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 3
Step 1
Name the mechanism for the reaction between potassium cyanide and ethanol.
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Answer
The mechanism for the reaction between potassium cyanide and ethanol is known as nucleophilic addition.
Step 2
State the name of this type of mixture.
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Answer
The name of this type of mixture is racemic mixture.
Step 3
Explain how the structure of ethanol leads to the formation of two isomers.
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Answer
Ethanol has a chiral center due to the presence of a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. When potassium cyanide attacks the carbon adjacent to the hydroxyl group, it can approach from either side, leading to the formation of two enantiomeric isomers of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile.
Step 4
Draw 3D representations of the two isomers to show the relationship between them.
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Answer
The 3D representations of the two isomers can be shown as follows:
Structure 1:
H CN
\ /
C
/ \
OH H
Structure 2:
H CN
\ /
C
/ \
H OH
Step 5
Suggest a suitable reagent and conditions for the conversion of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile into acrylonitrile.
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Reagent: Concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Conditions: Heat to 170°C.
Step 6
Draw a section of the polymer polyacrylonitrile, showing three repeating units.
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Answer
The section of polyacrylonitrile showing three repeating units is represented as:
