Ncert Exercises & Solutions

Q. 78 Cyanide ion acts as an ambident nucleophile. From which end it acts as a

stronger nucleophile in aqueous medium? Give reason for your answer.

Cyanide ion (;C = N) is an ambident nucleophile because it can react either through

carbon or through nitrogen. Since, C—C bond is stronger than C—N bond so, cyanide ion

will mainly attack through carbon to form alkyl cyanide.