The reaction of benzyl chloride with sodium cyanide followed by reduction with hydrogen in the presence of nickel gives
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is option 2. β-phenylethylamine.
The reaction of benzyl chloride with sodium cyanide followed by 
reduction with hydrogen in the presence of nickel is a two-step process. In the first step, the benzyl chloride is reacted with sodium cyanide to form benzyl cyanide. In the second step, the benzyl cyanide is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of nickel to form β-phenylethylamine.
Aniline and benzylamine are not formed in this reaction. Aniline is formed when benzyl chloride is directly reduced with hydrogen in the presence of nickel. Benzylamine is formed when benzyl chloride is reacted with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst.