video tutorial Benzoin condensation the 'old school' way using a cyanide catalyst

Name: video tutorial - Benzoin condensation the 'old school' way using a cyanide catalyst
Uploaded: 2025-12-11T09:03:44.308Z
Duration: 5 min 29 s
Description: We are going to do the classic benzoin condensation reaction....decided to try it the proper old-school way using cyanide as the catalyst.

Topic: classic benzoin condensation using cyanide as a catalyst (old-school method).
Safety and disposal: cyanide is highly toxic; dispose of cyanide-containing waste with hypochlorite bleach to form less toxic cyanate.
Procedure: prepare an aqueous cyanide solution, combine with benzaldehyde dissolved in ethanol, and reflux gently for about two hours; reaction color darkens to orange.
Workup: allow solvent to evaporate, crystallization forms, cool and crystallize; filter the solid and wash with cold water, then with ice-cold ethanol; dry to a fine powder.
Product and yield: benzoin obtained (7.2 g) from 10 g benzaldehyde, about 72% yield; recrystallization optional but the product appears pure with a delicate aroma and no almond-like odor.