Haloalkanes react with KCN to form alkyl cyanides as main product because
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → KCN is predominantly ionic in nature.
The cyanide ion is an ambident nucleophile: it can attack through carbon or through nitrogen, [:C≡N:]−. Which end attacks depends on the nature of the metal cyanide:
\( \displaystyle \ce{R-X + KCN -> R-CN + KX} \)
\( \displaystyle \ce{R-X + AgCN -> R-NC + AgX} \)
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) KCN is predominantly non-ionic in nature. — Incorrect. A non-ionic cyanide behaves like AgCN and gives mainly isocyanides.
Option (3) KCN is covalent in nature. — Incorrect. KCN is an ionic salt of potassium; a covalent Ag–CN type bond would block the carbon end and favour isocyanide formation.
Option (4) KCN is predominantly neutral in nature. — Incorrect. “Neutral” does not describe the type of bonding; what matters is that KCN releases free \( \ce{CN^{-}} \) ions.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Reactions of Haloalkanes – …
