Question

In alkyl cyanide, alkyl group attached with:
A. C of CN group
B. N of CN group
C. Either C or N of CN group
D. Both C and N of CN group

Answer 1

Hint: We know that functional groups are atoms or groups of atoms responsible for chemical reactivity of an organic compound. The name of some functional groups are cyanide (-CN), alcohol (-OH), aldehyde (-CHO), carboxylic acid (-COOH) etc.

Complete step by step answer: Alkyl cyanide is an organic compound in which an alkyl group is bonded to a C atom cyanide (CN) functional group. The formula of alkyl cyanide is R-CN, where R is an alkyl group. Some examples of alkyl cyanides are methyl cyanide , ethyl cyanide etc.
So, in alkyl cyanide, the alkyl group is attached with the C of the CN group.
Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Additional Information: Many fungi, bacteria and algae can produce cyanide. Cyanides are also present in spinach, almonds etc.Hydrogen cyanide is a blue (pale) colored liquid at room temperature and colourless at higher temperature. Some cyanides like sodium cyanide and potassium cyanide exist in powdered form and possess the smell of bitter almond. Cyanides are used in drugs, plastic, dye, photo developing etc. Some industrial processes like wastewater treatment produce cyanide.
There are many uses of cyanide. It is used in gold mining and also in making jewellery. It is also used in the form of food additives in the food industry, its use as a pest control is also beneficial. It also increases germination of plants. But cyanide is very harmful to the heart and brain as it prohibits the use of oxygen in the cells of the body.

Note: Always remember that in IUPAC naming of alkyl cyanide, the suffix ‘nitrile’ is used. For the compound , the general name is methyl cyanide but the IUPAC name is methane nitrile. Similarly for , IUPAC name is ethane nitrile.