Question 13 of 26beginner💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

What are ambident nucleophiles? Explain with an example.

Correct Answer

Ambident nucleophiles are groups that possess two nucleophilic centres. Common examples of such groups include cyanides and nitrites.

The cyanide group acts as a specific example because it is a hybrid of two contributing structures. Therefore, it can act as a nucleophile in two different ways, as shown by the structures [∘C≡N↔:C=N∘][\circ\text{C} \equiv \text{N} \leftrightarrow :\text{C} = \text{N}^{\circ}]. This allows the group to link through different atoms during a chemical reaction.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 6.8 | (Page 31)
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Explanation

The answer is derived directly from the first chunk of the provided context. It defines ambident nucleophiles as groups with two nucleophilic centres, citing cyanides and nitrites as examples. It further explains the concept using the cyanide group's resonance structures provided in the text, which allow it to act as a nucleophile in two different ways.

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