Question

Cyanohydrins can be made from carbonyl compounds by generating CN– ions from HCN in the
presence of a weak base.

In a similar reaction, –CH2CO2CH3 ions are generated from CH3CO2CH3 by strong bases.
Which compound can be made from an aldehyde and CH3CO2CH3 in the presence of a strong
base?
A CH3CH(OH)CO2CH3
B CH3CO2CH2CH(OH)CH3
C CH3CH2CH(OH)CH2CO2CH3
D (CH3)2C(OH)CH2CO2CH3

Ans: C

I have no idea how to obtain the answer!
Please explainnnn!
Thank you in advance :)

Answer 1

First, you need to identify the compounds given. You have, the aldehyde and the carboxylic acid:

Answer 2

So, that plus the aldehyde.