Question

Acetonitrile may be prepared by heating the following reactants:

Options

• Ethyl chloride with alcoholic KCN.

• Ethyl chloride with alcoholic AgCN.

• Methyl chloride with alcoholic KCN.

• Methyl chloride with alcoholic AgCN.

Answer 1

Methyl chloride with alcoholic KCN.

Explanation:

When methyl chloride reacts with alcoholic KCN, nucleophilic substitution occurs, forming methyl cyanide (acetonitrile, CH₃CN).
KCN gives the cyanide ion (–C ≡ N), which attacks through the carbon atom, producing nitrile (acetonitrile).