MHT CET Medical202621 April 2026Evening ShiftChemistryHaloalkanes and HaloarenesActual
Which of the following compounds forms isopropyl cyanide?
Options
- ACH ₃ -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -I and alcoholic AgCN
- BCH ₃ -CHBr-CH ₃ and alcoholic KCN
- CCH ₃ -CHBr-CH ₃ and alcoholic AgCN
- DCH ₃ -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -Cl and alcoholic KCN
Correct answer
B. CH ₃ -CHBr-CH ₃ and alcoholic KCN
Step-by-step solution
Isopropyl cyanide has the structure CH ₃ -CH(CN)-CH ₃ . To obtain isopropyl cyanide, the starting alkyl halide must contain an isopropyl group, which is CH ₃ -CH(X)-CH ₃ . When an alkyl halide reacts with alcoholic KCN, the major product is an alkyl cyanide (nitrile). This is because KCN is predominantly ionic, providing free cyanide ions ( CN ⁻ ) in solution. Attack occurs preferentially through the carbon atom as the C-C bond formed is stronger than a C-N bond. When an alkyl halide reacts with alcoholic AgCN, the