Haloalkanes react with $KCN$ to form alkyl cyanides as the main product,while $AgCN$ forms isocyanides as the chief product. Explain.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) $KCN$ is predominantly ionic and provides cyanide ions $(CN^-)$ in solution. Since the $C-C$ bond is more stable than the $C-N$ bond,the attack occurs mainly through the carbon atom,leading to the formation of alkyl cyanides $(R-CN)$.
Conversely,$AgCN$ is mainly covalent in nature. In this case,the carbon atom is involved in the bond with silver,leaving the nitrogen atom free to donate its lone pair of electrons to the alkyl group,resulting in the formation of isocyanides $(R-NC)$ as the major product.

Explore More

Similar Questions

What is the major product $Z$ in the given reaction sequence?
$(CH_3)_2 C=O \xrightarrow[(2) H_3O^{+}]{\text{(1) } C_2H_5MgBr} X$
$i) SOCl_2$ $\xrightarrow[\Delta]{\text{ii) } CH_3ONa} Y$ $\xrightarrow[\text{Peroxide}]{HBr} Z$

Number of moles of $AgCl$ formed in the following reaction is $X$. Identify $X$ from the given reaction.

Which of the following compounds will undergo $E_2$ elimination reaction to give a single product in the presence of a strong base?

Difficult
View Solution

Match List-$I$ with List-$II$.
$1$-Bromopropane is reacted with reagents in List-$I$ to give products in List-$II$.
List-$I$ (Reagent) List-$II$ (Product)
$A$. $KOH$ (alc) $I$. Nitrile
$B$. $KCN$ (alc) $II$. Ester
$C$. $AgNO_2$ $III$. Alkene
$D$. $CH_3COOAg$ $IV$. Nitroalkane

Which among the following halide$(s)$ will not show $S_{N}1$ reaction:
$(A)$ $H_2C=CH-CH_2Cl$
$(B)$ $CH_3-CH=CHCl$
$(C)$ $C_6H_5CH_2Cl$
$(D)$ $(CH_3)_2CHCl$
Choose the $most\ appropriate$ answer from the options given below:

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo