MHT CET202619 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryHaloalkanes and HaloarenesActual
Identify reagent B in following reaction. R - X B Nitroalkane
Options
- AAg - O - N = O
- BNaOR
- CKCN (alc.)
- DK - O - N = O
Correct answer
A. Ag - O - N = O
Step-by-step solution
The reaction of an alkyl halide with silver nitrite ( AgNO ₂ ) yields a nitroalkane as the major product. AgNO ₂ is predominantly covalent in nature. The bond between silver and oxygen ( Ag - O ) is covalent, which leaves the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom available for nucleophilic attack. Therefore, the nucleophilic attack on the alkyl halide occurs through the nitrogen atom, resulting in the formation of a nitroalkane ( R - NO ₂ ). In contrast, potassium nitrite ( KNO ₂ ) is an ionic compound and pr