Question

Ethyl chloride on heating with silver cyanide forms a compound $X$. The functional isomer of $X$ is:

• A. $C_2{H}_{5}NC$
• B. $C_2{H}_{5}CN$
• C. $H_{3}C-NH-C{H}_3$
• D. $C_2{H}_{5}N{H}_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $C_2{H}_{5}CN$

The chemical reaction is as follows:

$C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}Cl$ + $AgCN$ $\to$ $C_2{H}_{5}NC$ +$AgCl$

In this reaction, the functional group is isocyanide, as there is a partial covalent character in the bond between silver and carbon. So, the attacking side on the nucleophile is nitrogen and $AgCl$ is easily precipitated from the solution.

The functional isomer of isocyanide (e.g., $C_2{H}_{5}NC$) is cyanide (e.g., $C_2{H}_{5}CN$).

Hence, the correct option is $B$