What stable compound is formed when aldehydes and ketones react with hydrogen cyanide (HCN)?

When aldehydes and ketones react with hydrogen cyanide (HCN), the stable compound that is formed is a cyanohydrin. This reaction occurs through a nucleophilic addition mechanism, where the cyanide ion (CN-) acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde or ketone.

This reaction is significant in organic chemistry as it demonstrates how carbonyl compounds can be transformed into more complex molecules. The intermediate formed during this reaction undergoes protonation, leading to the formation of the cyanohydrin. The presence of the hydroxyl group and the cyanide group in the final structure contributes to the stability of the cyanohydrin compound.

Cyanohydrins serve as important intermediates in organic synthesis and can undergo further reactions to yield a variety of functional groups. Understanding this reaction mechanism provides insight into the reactivity of carbonyl compounds and the formation of functional derivatives, essential concepts in both organic and biological chemistry.