Question

An alliphatic compound A with molecular formula C2H3Cl on treatment with AgCN gives 2 compounds in unequal amount having molecular formula C3H3N. The minor of these 2 product on complete reduction gives compound B with molecular formula C3H9N. Identify A and B and explain the reaction.

Answer 1

A= CH3-CH2Cl  (ethyl chloride)

B= CH3-CH2-CH2-NH2 (propyl amine)

since CN is an ambidentate ligand (group), it can form bond either from carbon or nitrogen. Since it is AgCN the major product formed would be NC (isocyanide) while the minor would be CN (cyanide). CN on reduction will give amine.

Hope this helps!