Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Question:

The reaction between 4-Bromobenzyl chloride with NaCN in ethanol leads to

Options:

4-Bromo-2-cyanobenzyl chloride 

4-Bromobenzyl cyanide 

4-Cyanobenzyl chloride

4-Cyanobenzyl bromide 

Correct Answer:

4-Bromobenzyl cyanide 

Explanation:

The correct answer is option 2. 4-Bromobenzyl cyanide.

The reaction between 4-Bromobenzyl chloride with \(NaCN\) in ethanol is a nucleophilic substitution reaction (\(S_N2\) mechanism). Sodium cyanide \((NaCN)\) acts as the nucleophile and replaces the chlorine atom in the benzyl chloride group with a cyanide group \((CN)\).

When this compound reacts with \(NaCN\) in ethanol, the cyanide ion \((CN^-)\) attacks the carbon atom bonded to the chlorine, replacing the chlorine atom with a cyanide group. The product of this reaction is 4-Bromobenzyl cyanide.