Cyanohydrins are organic compounds having the formula RR’C(OH)CN, where R and R ‘ are alkyl or aryl groups.
Aldehydes and ketones react with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of excess sodium cyanide (NaCN) as a prior to employing cyanohydrin (HCN). Such reactions are referred to as cyanohydrin reactions.
The useful synthetic intermediates are Cyanohydrins.