MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

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 provides nitrite ions ( NO _2^-) in which oxygen is the nucleophilic center, leading to the formation of alkyl nitrites ( R - O - N = O ). Thus, reagent B is Ag - O - N = O . Answer: Ag - O - N = O