Question

KCN on reacting with haloalkanes form:

• A. Allylic cyanides
• B. Alkyl cyanides
• C. No reaction
• D. Alkyl isocyanide

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Alkyl cyanides

KCN on reacting with haloalkanes form alkyl cyanides. KCN is predominantly ionic and provides cyanide ions in solution.
Although both carbon and nitrogen atoms are in a position to donate electron pairs, the attack takes place mainly through carbon atom and not through nitrogen atom since C—C bond is more stable than C—N bond.