A reaction among the following can generate isonitriles as a major product. (A) (B) (C) (D) Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(D) only
(C) and (D) only
(B) only
(A) and (B) only
Haloalkanes () react with to form alkyl isocyanides (isonitriles) as the main product. is mainly covalent in nature, and only the nitrogen atom is free to donate an electron pair, thus forming an isocyanide. On the other hand, and are predominantly ionic and provide cyanide ions in solution. Since the carbon-carbon () bond is more stable than the carbon-nitrogen () bond, the attack takes place mainly through the carbon atom, leading to the formation of alkyl cyanides (nitriles) . Therefore, only reaction (B) generates isonitriles.
Join thousands of students and practice with AI-generated mock tests.