cyanohydrin

A cyanohydrin is a chemical compound that contains both a cyano group (-CN) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the same carbon atom. These compounds are formed through the addition of a cyanide ion to an aldehyde or ketone.12

For example, the reaction of an aldehyde with a cyanide ion, followed by acidification, yields a cyanohydrin. This process is a significant reaction in organic chemistry, as it allows for the combination of different carbon skeletons. Hydrogen cyanide, a highly toxic substance, is often involved in the formation of cyanohydrins, which themselves can serve as intermediates in various organic syntheses. Some cyanohydrins, like benzaldehyde cyanohydrin (mandelonitrile), are found in nature and play a role in biological defense mechanisms.23