Organic compounds formed by the addition of hydrogen cyanide to aldehydes or ketones (in the presence of a base). The first step is attack by a CN− ion on the carbonyl carbon atom. The final product is a compound in which a –CN and –OH group are attached to the same carbon atom. For example, ethanal reacts as follows
The product is 2-hydroxypropanonitrile. Cyanohydrins of this type can be oxidized to α-hydroxy carboxylic acids.