Concept: The synthesis of nitriles from aldehydes typically involves the intermediate formation of an aldoxime, which is subsequently dehydrated.
Step 1: {Reaction of benzaldehyde with hydroxylamine.}
Benzaldehyde reacts with hydroxylamine ($\text{NH}_2\text{OH}$) to form benzaldoxime.
$$\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO} + \text{NH}_2\text{OH} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH=NOH} + \text{H}_2\text{O}$$
Step 2: {Dehydration of the oxime.}
Benzaldoxime is then treated with a dehydrating agent, such as acetic anhydride.
This step removes a water molecule from the oxime group to yield benzonitrile.
Step 3: {Final product formation.}
$$\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH=NOH} \xrightarrow{\text{Acetic anhydride}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CN}$$
The overall conversion results in the formation of Benzonitrile.