default_background
✕

Find the best tutors and institutes for Class 12 Tuition

Find Best Class 12 Tuition

Please select a Category.

Please select a Locality.

No matching category found.

No matching Locality found.

Q6.8:
What are ambident nucleophiles? Explain with an example.

Solution :

Definition: Ambident Nucleophiles

An ambident nucleophile is defined as a chemical species possessing two or more nucleophilic sites (atoms with lone pairs of electrons) through which it can potentially attack an electrophilic center. While the species has multiple potential points of attachment, the actual site of attack depends on reaction conditions, solvent polarity, and the nature of the electrophile. [Per Nucleophilic Substitution Theory]

Detailed Case Study: The Cyanide Ion ($CN^-$)

The cyanide ion is the classic paradigm of an ambident nucleophile. It consists of a carbon atom and a nitrogen atom, both possessing lone pairs capable of forming coordinate covalent bonds.

[:C ≡ N:]⁻ Attack via C R-CN (Alkyl Nitriles) Attack via N R-NC (Alkyl Isonitriles)

Step 1: Mechanism of C-Attack

When the cyanide ion reacts with an alkyl halide (e.g., $R-X$) in the presence of ionic reagents like $KCN$ (potassium cyanide), the reaction proceeds primarily through the carbon atom.

  • Chemical Logic: $KCN$ is predominantly ionic. In a polar, aprotic solvent, the carbon atom carries a higher electron density and acts as a stronger nucleophile.
  • Equation: $R-X + KCN_{(alc)} \rightarrow R-CN + KX$
  • Result: Alkyl Nitrile (or Alkyl Cyanide).

Step 2: Mechanism of N-Attack

Conversely, when using reagents like $AgCN$ (silver cyanide), the reaction path shifts toward the nitrogen atom.

  • Chemical Logic: $AgCN$ is largely covalent in character. The lone pair on the carbon atom is involved in the $Ag-C$ covalent bond, leaving the lone pair on the nitrogen atom more available for nucleophilic attack. [Per HSAB Principle - Hard Soft Acid Base Theory]
  • Equation: $R-X + AgCN \rightarrow R-NC + AgX$
  • Result: Alkyl Isonitrile (or Alkyl Carbylamine).

Comparative Summary

Reagent Primary Nucleophilic Site Product Type
$KCN$ (Ionic) Carbon ($C$) Alkyl Nitrile ($R-CN$)
$AgCN$ (Covalent) Nitrogen ($N$) Alkyl Isonitrile ($R-NC$)

Final Solution: Ambident nucleophiles are species like $CN^-$ or $NO_2^-$ that contain two nucleophilic centers. The cyanide ion ($CN^-$) functions as an ambident nucleophile by forming alkyl nitriles ($R-CN$) via its carbon atom when using ionic $KCN$, or alkyl isonitriles ($R-NC$) via its nitrogen atom when using covalent $AgCN$.


More Questions from Class 12 Chemistry Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Exercises


CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Haloalkanes and Haloarenes


Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Chemistry


Top Tutors who teach Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Gokilavani . Class 12 Tuition trainer in Tiruvidamarudur
(10)
Top Tutor
locationImg Kadiramangalam, Tiruvidamarudur
experience 2 yrs of Exp students 3 students
greenClock 176 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 550 per hour
CTET & TNTET Qualified PhysicsTutor
Online Classes Online Classes

Working in an ICSE school and also Qualified Physics tutor (CTET, TNTET, PG TRB) teaching CBSE & ICSE students with clear explanations, interactive methods, and focused support to improve concepts, confidence, and results. I have helped nearly 30 plus students to overcome the fear of subjects especially physics.

Rajalakshmi R R

The way of teaching is nice and clear explanation of teaching in theoretical and also practical is clear to understand.

Skills: Tamil , English and more
Also teaches: Class 11 Tuition, Class 10 Tuition and more

(2)
Top Tutor
locationImg Pudur, Coimbatore
experience 6 yrs of Exp students 1 student
greenClock 62 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 1000 per hour
Online Classes Online Classes
homeTutions Student's Home
regularClasses Tutor's home

I have completed MPhil in Physics and teaching in college for 6 years. I am giving online/ home tuition since 2015. I prefer mathematics .

Skills: English , Mathematics and more
Also teaches: Class 11 Tuition, Class 10 Tuition and more

(34)
Top Tutor
locationImg Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bangalore
experience 12 yrs of Exp students 51 students
greenClock 1960 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 500 per hour
Online Classes Online Classes
homeTutions Student's Home

I have been training students for 12th Board examinations for more than a decade now.

Anshul Panda

He is outstanding as a teacher, knowledgeable and dedicated. He has helped my daughter so much with his knowledge, that the girl who was just running away from accounts is getting more than 90 percent

Skills: Economics , Accounts and more
Also teaches: CA Coaching, Class 11 Tuition and more

(7)
Top Tutor
locationImg Kushaiguda, Hyderabad
experience 13 yrs of Exp students 1 student
greenClock 126 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 450 per hour
Physics teacher with 15 years experience in Hyderabad 10 from reputated Corporate institution
Online Classes Online Classes
homeTutions Student's Home
regularClasses Tutor's home

Teaching is my passion I am into teaching profession since 16 years. I like challenges with young minds.. I will make students to confident by explaining concepts, taking special care. Cent percent assurance to child growth, committed to work towards target. I used to counsel the students to succeed in their exams.

Skills: Physics

Arun Kumar Class 12 Tuition trainer in Manendragarh
(16)
superTutorSuper Tutor
locationImg B-seam Colly, Manendragarh
experience 2 yrs of Exp students 3 students
greenClock 139 hrs of classes completed
rsIcon 350 per hour
🧪 M.Sc. Chemistry | 2+ Years Experience | Classes 11, 12, UG & Competitive Exams
Online Classes Online Classes
regularClasses Tutor's home

I am a chemistry teacher. I am given home tuition since 2022. I am certified in 2022. I have a degree in MSC chemistry. My key skills is making complicated topic chemistry topics easy to understanding for students.

Saarthak Chahal

He is a focused tracher . He has a good conceptual knowledge. He teaches according to student expectations. Very patient with student. He is regular also in giving classes.

Skills: Chemistry
Also teaches: Class 11 Tuition, NEET-UG Coaching and more

Other Subjects in CBSE - Class 12

Worksheet Icon

Download free CBSE - Class 12 Chemistry Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Exercises worksheets

Download Now

Find Best Class 12 Tuition ?

Find Now »