NEETChemistryHaloalkanes and Haloarenes
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Reaction of bromoethane with KCN yields ethyl cyanide as the major product, whereas with AgCN it yields ethyl isocyanide. Reason (R): KCN is predominantly ionic and provides cyanide ions in solution, while AgCN is predominantly covalent in nature. In the light of the above statements, choose the mo
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Correct answer
A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Step-by-step solution
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 the carbon atom since the C-C bond is more stable than the C-N bond, yielding ethyl cyanide. AgCN is predominantly covalent in nature, so the carbon atom is not free to donate electrons. The attack occurs through the nitrogen atom, forming ethyl isocyanide as the major product. Therefore, both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is th