The bromide shown is warmed with alcoholic $KCN$ . Which structure is the main product?

AStructure A
BStructure B
CStructure C
DStructure D

Answer: A

KCN is largely ionic, so the cyanide ion attacks through carbon (the better nucleophilic site) and displaces bromide in an SN2 reaction, giving the nitrile propanenitrile. The isocyanide is the product with covalent AgCN, the amine and alcohol need other reagents.

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The bromide shown is warmed with alcoholic KCN. Which structure is the main product?

Answer: A

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The bromide shown is warmed with alcoholic $KCN$ . Which structure is the main product?