Q 12.15 How will you bring about the following conversions in not more than two steps?
(viii) Benzaldehyde to α-hydroxy phenyl acetic acid
Nucleophilic reaction of benzaldehyde with in presence of HCl gives benzaldehyde cyanohydrine, which on acidic hydrolysis formed α-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid
The final product, α-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, is a white crystalline solid that is partially soluble in water and completely soluble in organic solvents. It is also known as mandelic acid and is used to treat urinary tract infections, as an antibacterial agent, and as a precursor in the preparation of drugs.