How may methyl bromide be preferentially converted to methyl cyanide and to methyl isocyanide?
Answer: With KCN (ionic, attacks through C): CH₃Br + KCN → CH₃CN. With AgCN (covalent, N attacks): CH₃Br + AgCN → CH₃NC.
Solution
CN is an ambident nucleophile.
Methyl cyanide: use \textbf{alcoholic KCN} — the free, ionic cyanide attacks through carbon:
Methyl isocyanide: use \textbf{AgCN} — silver cyanide is mainly covalent, carbon is tied to Ag, so nitrogen attacks:
Methyl cyanide: use \textbf{alcoholic KCN} — the free, ionic cyanide attacks through carbon:
Methyl isocyanide: use \textbf{AgCN} — silver cyanide is mainly covalent, carbon is tied to Ag, so nitrogen attacks:
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2001 · All India Compartment · Subjective