Question

Which reagent is used to convert Alkyl halide into Alkyl nitrite ?

• A. Silver nitrite
• B. Silver cyanide
• C. Potassium nitrite
• D. Silver carboxylate

Hint:

Ionic KNO2 attacks through oxygen, giving R-O-N=O (alkyl nitrite).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Ambident nucleophile idea:
The nitrite anion has two attacking sites, O and N, and the product depends on the salt.

Step 2: Compare the salts:
KNO2 is ionic. O carries the negative charge and attacks, so R-ONO forms. $\text{AgNO}_2$ has a covalent Ag-N bond so N attacks to give $\text{R-NO}_2$.

Step 3: Check other options:
AgCN gives isocyanide, silver carboxylate gives esters. So option (C) matches the alkyl nitrite.

Final Answer:
Potassium nitrite is the reagent, option (C). \[ \boxed{\text{Potassium nitrite (C)}} \]