Question

Cyanide ion acts as an ambident nucleophile. From which end it acts as a stronger nucleophile in aqueous medium?

Answer 1

Answer:

In an aqueous medium, it acts as a stronger nucleophile through its carbon end. It is because it can lead to the formation of Carbon – Carbon bond that can be more stable than a Carbon – Nitrogen bond. As Carbon - Carbon bond is more strong than a Carbon - Nitrogen bond, hence a cyanide ion will attack using carbon to create alkyl cyanide. Therefore, it is definitely a stronger nucleophile in aqueous medium.