Question

Halo alkanes react with KCN to form alkyl cyanides as main product while AgCN
forms isocyanides as the chief product. Explain.

Answer 1

KCN is predominantly ionic and provides cyanide ions in solution. Although both
carbon and nitrogen atoms are in a position to donate electron pairs. The attack
takes place mainly through carbon atom not through nitrogen atom since C—C is
more stable than C—N bond. However, AgCN is mainly covalent innatrue and
nitrogen is free to donate electron pair forming isocyanide as the main product

Answer 2

KCN is predominantly ionic and provides cyanide ions in solution. Although both

carbon and nitrogen atoms are in a position to donate electron pairs. The attack

takes place mainly through carbon atom not through nitrogen atom since C—C is

more stable than C—N bond. However, AgCN is mainly covalent innatrue and

nitrogen is free to donate electron pair forming isocyanide as the main product

I hope it is help full for you