Question

An alkyl halide \( C_3H_7Cl \), on reaction with a reagent X, gave the major product Y (\( C_4H_7N \)). Y on hydrolysis released a gas, which turns red litmus to blue. What are X and Y?

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Hint:

For cyanide reactions:
- KCN (Ionic CN⁻) favors the formation of nitriles (\( R-CN \)).
- AgCN (Covalent CN) gives isocyanides (\( R-NC \)).
- Nitriles hydrolyze to carboxylic acids, releasing NH₃ gas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identifying the nature of X.
- Potassium cyanide (\( KCN \)) is an ionic compound that provides a nucleophilic cyanide ion (CN⁻).
- The cyanide ion attacks the alkyl halide via an SN2 mechanism, leading to the formation of an alkyl nitrile (R-CN). 

Step 2: Understanding Y and its properties.
- The product Y is a nitrile (\( R-CN \)), which undergoes hydrolysis to give a carboxylic acid and ammonia (NH₃).
- Ammonia (\( NH_3 \)) is a basic gas that turns red litmus paper blue, confirming the presence of a nitrile.