Q. Alkyl iodide reacts with NaCN to give alkyl cyanide and small amount of alkyl isocyanide. Formation of these two products is due to the
A) ionic character of NaCN
B) nucleophilic character of $CN^{-}$
C) ambidentate character of $CN^{-}$
D) Electrophilic character of $CN^{-}$
Explanation
(c)
$CN^{-}\$(cyanide) is an ambidenate ligand, $i.\ e.\ ,$ it can donate electrons to the alkyl iodide either by using carbon or by using nitrogen.
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In principle, the reaction can occur either through carbon or nitrogen. But in practice, the reaction mainly occurs through carbon as carbon behave like a strong nucleophile.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.