Engineering
Chemistry
Nucleophilic Substitution
Question

In the given reaction:
 
[X] will be:

(A) and (C)

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Solution

This is a nucleophilic substitution reaction where the cyanide ion (CN⁻) acts as a nucleophile. The substrate is a secondary alkyl halide. Secondary halides can undergo both SN1 and SN2 mechanisms. In a polar protic solvent like the one used here, the SN1 mechanism is favored, leading to a racemic mixture of products. However, cyanide is a strong nucleophile, which can promote the SN2 pathway, resulting in inversion of configuration. The major product is the one with inverted stereochemistry.

The product [X] is: C6H5*CH(CN)CH3 with inverted configuration.

Final Answer: (A) and (C)