Question

The aqueous solution of sodium cyanide is basic in nature. This is due to the hydrolysis of:

• A. sodium ions
• B. cyanide ions
• C. cyanide ions and sodium ions
• D. isocyanide ions

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

cyanide ions

The aqueous solution of sodium cyanide is basic in nature. This is due to the hydrolysis of cyanide ions.

The dissociation reaction of $NaCN$ in water is given below:

$NaCN\to N{a}^{+}+C{N}^{-}$

The generated cyanide ions undergo hydrolysis as follows:
$C{N}^{-}+H_{2}O\to HCN+O{H}^{-}$

Therefore, the solution turns basic due to the generation of $O{H}^{-}$ ions produced by the hydrolysis of cyanide ions.

Option B is correct.