Question

The reaction of $4-bromobenzyl$ chloride with sodium cyanide in ethanol leads to the formation of:

• A. 4-bromobenzyl cyanide
• B. 4-cyanobenzyl chloride
• C. 4-cyanobenzyl cyanide
• D. 4-bromo-2-cyanobenzyl chloride

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

4-bromobenzyl cyanide

Here $S_{N}2$ (Nulceophilic Substitution) takes place as ${}^{⊝}CN$ is a strong nucleophilic and $C{l}^{-}$ is a good leaving group.