Question

In order to prepare a primary amine from an alkyl halide with simultaneous addition of one $C{H}_2$ group in the carbon chain, the reagent used as source of nitrogen is :

• A. Sodium amide $\left(NaN{H}_2\right)$
• B. Sodium azide $\left(Na{N}_3\right)$
• C. Potassium cyanide $\left(KCN\right)$
• D. potassium phthalimide $\left(C_6{H}_4\right(CO{)}_2{N}^{-}{K}^{+})$

Answer 1

The correct option is C Potassium cyanide $\left(KCN\right)$

When alkyl halide reacts with KCN, nitrile is formed. When nitrile undergoes reduction in the presence of Na(Hg)-EtOH, primary amine is formed. Hence, the correct answer is option (c).

$4R-X\stackrel{KCN}{\to }R-CN\stackrel{Na\left(Hg\right)-C_2{H}_{5}OH}{\to }R-C{H}_{2}N{H}_2$