Strecker reaction is used for synthesis of: (a) Alcohol (b) Amino acid (c) Aldehyde (d) Ketone

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play an indispensable role in various biological processes. One of the most significant methods for synthesizing amino acids in the laboratory is the Strecker synthesis, a classic organic reaction. In this reaction, an aldehyde is transformed through a series of reaction steps involving the addition of ammonium chloride (NH_{4}Cl) and potassium cyanide (KCN), which leads to the formation of an amino acid.

Understanding the mechanism of Strecker synthesis is critical for students, as it exemplifies the use of nucleophilic addition and subsequent substitution reactions that are foundational in organic chemistry. It begins with a nucleophilic addition of the cyanide ion to the aldehyde to form an imine, which is then hydrolyzed under acidic conditions to give the desired amino acid. This reaction is versatile and can generate various amino acids depending on the starting aldehyde, making it a valuable tool for custom amino acid synthesis.

Organic chemistry revolves around the study of carbon-containing compounds and the multitude of reactions they can undergo. Strecker synthesis is another brilliant example of such versatility. This chemical reaction demonstrates how a simple molecule, like an aldehyde, can undergo a sequence of transformations to yield a more complex molecule like an amino acid.

• Nucleophilic Addition: First, the cyanide ion attacks the carbon of the carbonyl group in the aldehyde.
• Imine Formation: The compound then rearranges itself into an imine—a double bond with nitrogen.
• Hydrolysis: Finally, the imine is hydrolyzed in the presence of acidic conditions to give an alpha amino acid.

Each step of this reaction is governed by the electronic properties of the molecules involved, showcasing the influence of these properties on reactivity in organic chemistry.

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a significant pre-medical examination in which aspiring medical students in India are tested on various topics, including chemistry. Strecker synthesis, which falls under the umbrella of organic chemistry, forms an essential part of the NEET chemistry syllabus.

For NEET preparation, it's important to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of each reaction, such as the Strecker synthesis.
• Memorize the sequence of steps in each reaction mechanism.
• Grasp the purpose and product of each reaction.

Grasping such chemical processes in detail can boost a student’s ability to solve complex problems and enhance their overall performance in the organic chemistry section of the NEET examination.