Question:

The compounds A and B in the following reaction are, respectively :

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HCHO + HCl is the Blanc chloromethylation; AgCN is covalent and reacts through its N atom to give an isocyanide.
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • A = Benzyl alcohol, B = Benzyl cyanide
  • A = Benzyl chloride, B = Benzyl cyanide
  • A = Benzyl alcohol, B = Benzyl isocyanide
  • A = Benzyl chloride, B = Benzyl isocyanide
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Benzene + HCHO + HCl (anhydrous \(\mathrm{ZnCl_2}\)) undergoes chloromethylation (Blanc reaction): \(\mathrm{C_6H_6\rightarrow C_6H_5CH_2Cl}\). So A = benzyl chloride (not benzyl alcohol).
Step 2: AgCN is a covalent compound (Ag-C\(\equiv\)N); the lone pair on N attacks the benzylic carbon, giving the isocyanide \(\mathrm{C_6H_5CH_2-N\equiv C}\) (KCN, being ionic, would give the cyanide).
So B = benzyl isocyanide.
Answer: (4) A = Benzyl chloride, B = Benzyl isocyanide
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