Question

Alkyl halide is converted into alkyl isocyanide by reaction with

• A. NaCN
• B. NH$_4$CN
• C. KCN
• D. AgCN

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the given question, we are asked to identify the reagent that converts an alkyl halide to an alkyl isocyanide. Let's analyze each of the options provided: 

1. NaCN (Sodium Cyanide): When alkyl halides are treated with NaCN, the primary product formed is an alkyl cyanide (nitrile) through a nucleophilic substitution reaction. Since NaCN produces alkyl cyanides, it is not the correct reagent for forming alkyl isocyanides.
2. NH₄CN (Ammonium Cyanide): Similar to NaCN, treatment with NH₄CN primarily leads to the formation of alkyl cyanides rather than isocyanides. Hence, it is also not suitable for producing alkyl isocyanides.
3. KCN (Potassium Cyanide): Like NaCN, KCN also produces alkyl cyanides through nucleophilic substitution. Therefore, KCN cannot be used to produce isocyanides from alkyl halides.
4. AgCN (Silver Cyanide): In this case, due to the covalent nature of AgCN, the -C≡N group acts more as an isocyanide entity rather than the usual cyanide. Silver cyanide allows the alkyl group to attach to the nitrogen atom, forming an alkyl isocyanide (R-N≡C). Thus, AgCN is the correct reagent that converts an alkyl halide into an alkyl isocyanide.

Conclusion: The correct answer is \(AgCN\). Reaction of alkyl halides with AgCN leads to the formation of alkyl isocyanides due to the nature of the bond between silver and cyanide, which facilitates the connection of the alkyl group to the nitrogen atom rather than the carbon atom in the cyanide moiety.

Answer 2

The reaction with \( \text{AgCN} \) leads to the formation of alkyl isocyanide due to the covalent character of \( \text{AgCN} \).

The Correct Answer is: AgCN