BRAINCAKEReaction with KCN
Halogenoalkanes react with potassium cyanide, KCN, by nucleophilic substitution to form nitriles, compounds containing the -C≡N group.
CH3CH2Br + CN− → CH3CH2CN + Br−
The nucleophile is the cyanide ion, :CN−. Its lone pair on carbon attacks the δ+ carbon of the C-Br bond, and the bromide ion leaves.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- reflux
- Heating a reaction mixture so that vapour continuously condenses and returns to the flask, allowing prolonged heating without loss of volatile substances.
More in Halogenoalkanes
- Classifying Halogenoalkanes
- Reactivity of Halogenoalkanes
- Hydrolysis Reactions
- Comparing the Rates of Hydrolysis
- Nucleophilic Substitution
- Reaction with Alkali
- Reaction with Aqueous Alkali
- Reaction with Ammonia
All 11 lessons in Halogenoalkanes · All Edexcel AS-level Chemistry topics