The general formula for aldehydes is R-CHO, where R can be any hydrocarbon chain.
Aldehydes have their carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain unlike ketones
The reducing agent used to reduce aldehydes and ketones is NaBH4
If an unsymmetrical ketones are reduced it will produce optical isomers and as there is an equal chance for the hydride ion to attack above and below the bond a racemic mixture will be produced
Undergo nucleophilic addition with cyanide ions to form hydroxynitriles
Reduction of an aldehyde:
NaBH4 and water
A) supplied by NaBH4
B) supplied by water
Nucleophilic addition of aldehydes/ketones requires
Reagents:
KCN
dilute H2SO4
Draw the mechanism for the reduction of ethanone or ethanol with KCN
