Cyanohydrin is a chemical compound commonly used in organic chemistry. The word is spelled as /saɪˈænoʊhaɪdrɪn/, with the prefix "cyano-" indicating the presence of a cyanide group (-CN) and the suffix "-hydrin" indicating the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH). The spelling may seem complex, but the IPA phonetic transcription breaks it down into its individual sounds. Cyanohydrin is an important intermediate in various chemical reactions and is commonly used in the synthesis of organic compounds.
Cyanohydrin is a noun that refers to a class of chemical compounds characteristic of containing both a cyano group (-CN) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to the same carbon atom. The name cyanohydrin is derived from the combination of "cyan" which relates to the presence of a cyano group, and "hydrin" which signifies the presence of a hydroxyl group.
Cyanohydrins are typically formed through the reaction between a carbonyl compound, such as an aldehyde or a ketone, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) or a cyanide salt (CN-). This reaction, known as cyanohydrin synthesis, results in the addition of both the cyano and hydroxyl groups to the carbonyl carbon, forming a stable cyanohydrin.
Due to their unique structure, cyanohydrins have a variety of applications in different fields. In organic synthesis, they serve as versatile intermediates for the production of many important compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. Cyanohydrins are also utilized in the manufacture of synthetic fibers, as well as in the production of insecticides and pesticides. Moreover, they possess reactivity that allows them to act as chiral building blocks, facilitating the synthesis of enantiopure compounds.
In conclusion, cyanohydrin refers to a chemical compound containing both a cyano group and a hydroxyl group bonded to the same carbon atom. They are vital intermediates in various chemical synthesis processes and find application across different industries.
The word "cyanohydrin" is derived from two components: "cyano" and "hydrin".
"Cyano" is derived from the French word "cyan", which originated from the Greek word "kyanos", meaning "dark blue". The term "cyano" in chemistry generally refers to a compound or functional group containing a carbon-nitrogen triple bond (-C≡N).
The second component, "hydrin", is derived from "hydrate", which traces back to the Greek word "hudōr", meaning "water". It refers to a compound containing water molecules chemically bound to another molecule or ion.
Combining these two components, "cyanohydrin" essentially describes a compound that contains both a cyano group (-C≡N) and a hydroxyl group (-OH), exemplifying a class of organic compounds with these features.