Question

What nucleophile is needed to prepare to nitrile by way of an $S_{N}2$ reaction?

• A. ${RO}^{-}$
• B. $RC=C^{-}$
• C. ${CN}^{-}$
• D. ${RS}^{-}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C ${CN}^{-}$

Cyanide ion $C\equiv N^{-}$ is needed as a nucleophile to prepare to nitrile by way of an $S_{N}2$ reaction.

$R-X+C\equiv N^{-}\to R-C\equiv N+X^{-}$