Question 36
Introduction to Organic ChemistryCH3CH2Cl + KCN → CH3CH2CN + KCl
In the reaction above, the cyanide is
- A.hydrophobic
- B.hydrophilic
- C.nucleophilic
- D.electrophilic.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C (nucleophilic)
Explanation
The CN− ion has a lone pair and attacks the partly positive carbon, replacing Cl−. A species that seeks a positive centre is a nucleophile.