Question icon
12 grade chemistry others

Cyanide ion acts as an ambident nucleophile. From which end does it act as a stronger nucleophile in an aqueous medium when it reacts with an alkyl halide?

  • A. It acts as a stronger nucleophile from the carbon end.
  • B. It acts as a stronger nucleophile from the nitrogen end.
  • C. It depends on the nature of the alkyl halide.
  • D. It has the same strength from both ends.

Profile image of Aniket Singh
1 Year agoGrade
Answers icon

1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

The cyanide ion (CN-) is known as an ambident nucleophile because it can attack from either the carbon or nitrogen end. However, in an aqueous medium, it predominantly acts as a stronger nucleophile from the carbon end. This is due to the carbon atom being more nucleophilic than the nitrogen atom in this context.

Answer Choice

The correct answer is:

  • A. It acts as a stronger nucleophile from the carbon end.

Reasoning Behind the Choice

The carbon atom in the cyanide ion has a negative charge, making it more reactive towards electrophiles, such as alkyl halides. In contrast, the nitrogen atom is less nucleophilic in aqueous solutions due to its ability to stabilize the negative charge through resonance.


question mark

is Pradeep Chemistry+Ncert sufficient for all of the theory of Jee Mains Chemistry?


Hi, I’m a self-study JEE 2027 aspirant with a large 11th backlog. Since I don’t think 6–8 hour one-shots are sufficient to cover the full theory + breadth of problem types of a JEE chapter, I’ve shifted from lecture-based preparation to book-based self-study.


I have a problem with using NCERT as my primary chemistry source. In my experience, it is concise and information-heavy, but often lacks detailed explanations, systematic organisation of concepts, and categorisation of problem types. This seems especially problematic for Physical and Organic Chemistry, where I feel that simply reading NCERT may not give enough depth or problem-solving preparation.


So I’m considering this approach:


Pradeep Chemistry → complete the chapter thoroughly from Pradeep → then read NCERT for that chapter → solve JEE Main PYQs/problems.


My main question is:


Is Pradeep + NCERT sufficient as the complete theory source for JEE Main-level Chemistry?


In other words, after thoroughly completing a chapter from Pradeep and then NCERT, can I consider the theory part of that chapter complete for JEE Main, with only PYQs/problem practice remaining?


I’m asking specifically about JEE Main level, not Advanced.


Also, if Pradeep is not sufficient, what specific gap does it leave, and what would you recommend as a better book-based alternative for self-study?

Grade 1212 grade chemistry others
0 Answer Available

Last Activity: 3 Days ago