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.

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.