MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Haloalkanes and Haloarenes / KCN vs AgCN, KNO2 vs AgNO2, Finkelstein and Swarts on drawn halides
JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3hx261

The bromide shown is treated with different reagents. Following the textbook convention, select all correct statements.

  1. A gives mainly the isocyanide because nitrogen of the covalent reagent attacks the carbon.
  2. BAlcoholic gives mainly the nitrile.
  3. C gives mainly nitroethane.
  4. D gives nitroethane, with a C-N bond.

Answer: A, B, D

Covalent AgCN reacts through nitrogen to give the isocyanide, whereas ionic KCN reacts through carbon to give the nitrile. Silver nitrite (covalent) gives the nitroalkane, nitroethane, with C-N bonding. The claim that KNO2 gives mainly nitroethane is wrong by this convention: KNO2 is ionic and gives mainly the nitrite ester, .
Practice Haloalkanes and Haloarenes More on KCN vs AgCN, KNO2 vs AgNO2, Finkelstein and Swarts on drawn halides

More questions on KCN vs AgCN, KNO2 vs AgNO2, Finkelstein and Swarts on drawn halides