[greentea11]

For the attached reaction, the only reagent given is CN- ions. So they must act as a catalyst, so I thought benzoin reaction/condensation, however I cannot reach the correct product from this

I then thought 1,4 addition to second reactant to remove the double bond

not sure what route to go with for this, just can't seem to get the product, any hints?

[Babcock_Hall]

Is there any chance that you missed a "Ph" group in your product?

[greentea11]

yes! oops
should be on the carbon adjacent to the first carbonyl group

[Babcock_Hall]

Now it should be more straightforward how to get to the product.

[greentea11]

I can't see how to do it though, my benzoin condensation doesn't bring the correct product? I don't know how to attach the the reactants at the carbon they form the product, by only using CN-?

Edit: think I got it

[zsinger]

Try a PTC (Phase Transfer Catalyst).  CN- is, indeed, a nucleophile.