Question

Complete the reaction: \[ CH_3CH_2Cl \quad \xrightarrow{\text{AgCN, alc., } \Delta} \quad ? \]

Hint:

In reactions involving silver cyanide \( (AgCN) \), the isocyanide \( (NC) \) group is typically formed, contrasting with alkali metal cyanides like sodium or potassium cyanide \( (NaCN) \) or \( (KCN) \), which favor attachment at the carbon to form the cyanide \( (CN) \) group.

Answer 1

When ethyl chloride \( (CH_3CH_2Cl) \) reacts with silver cyanide \( (AgCN) \) in an alcoholic solution, it primarily forms ethyl isocyanide \( (CH_3CH_2NC) \). This outcome is due to the ambident nature of the cyanide ion, which can attach through either carbon or nitrogen, with silver favoring attachment at the nitrogen.