nitriles

What is the reagent and catalyst used in the catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles? (1)

Hydrogen (H2) and a nickel catalyst

What functional group is formed by the catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles? (1)

A primary amine (-CH2NH2) group

Write the reaction for the hydrogenation of CH3CN to form ethylamine (CH3CH2NH2). (1)

CH3CN + 4[H] → CH3CH2NH2

why is the catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles important in synthesis? (2)

- It turns nitriles into more reactive amine groups

- Allowing further reactions in synthesis routes

how is a hydroxy group named in a molecule containing both a hydroxy group and a nitrile group? (2)

• the hydroxy group is named using the "hydroxy-" prefix

• the nitrile group uses the "-nitrile" suffix

Name the hydroxy-nitrile with the structure: CH3—CH2—CH(OH)—C≡N. (1)

2-hydroxybutanenitrile

Name the hydroxy-nitrile with the structure: CH3—CH2—C(OH)(CH3)—C≡N. (1)

2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanenitrile