JEE Main Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

Reaction A: C_6H_5CH_2Br + AgCN C_6H_5CH_2NC + AgBr AgCN is predominantly covalent, so the nucleophilic attack occurs through the nitrogen atom, forming benzyl isocyanide. Reaction B: C_6H_5CH_2NH_2 + CHCl_3 + 3NaOH C_6H_5CH_2NC + 3NaCl + 3H_2O This is the carbylamine reaction. Primary amines react with chloroform and alkali to form isocyanides. Benzyl amine gives benzyl isocyanide. Reaction C: C_6H_5Br + AgCN No reaction Aryl halides are generally unreactive towards nucleophilic substitution under normal conditions due to the partial double bond character of the C-Br bond. Reaction D: C_6H_5NH_2 + CHCl_3 + 3NaOH C_6H_5NC + 3NaCl + 3H_2O Aniline undergoes the carbylamine reaction to form phenyl isocyanide, not benzyl isocyanide. Reaction E: C_6H_5CH_2CH_2Br + KCN C_6H_5CH_2CH_2CN + KBr KCN is predominantly ionic, so the nucleophilic attack occurs through the carbon atom, forming a cyanide (nitrile) rather than an isocyanide. Thus, benzyl isocyanide is obtained from reactions A and B only. Answer: A and B Only