Example 10.5 of ncert haloalkane and haloarene. AgCn is covalent and b...
Explanation of why C donates electrons to N in AgCN:
Covalent nature of AgCN:
AgCN is a covalent compound since it is made up of a metal (Ag) and a non-metal (C and N). The bond between Ag and C is covalent, and the bond between C and N is covalent.
Electron donating tendency of C:
Carbon is less electronegative than nitrogen, so it is more likely to donate electrons than nitrogen. This is because electrons are negatively charged, and carbon has a larger atomic radius than nitrogen, so it is less able to hold onto its electrons.
Formation of cyanide:
When carbon donates its electrons to nitrogen, it forms a triple bond between C and N. This triple bond is very strong, and it is difficult to break. The triple bond between C and N is what gives cyanide its toxicity.
Formation of isocyanide:
If nitrogen were to donate its electrons to carbon instead, the bond between C and N would be a double bond instead of a triple bond. This double bond is weaker than a triple bond, so it is more likely to break. This is why isocyanides are less toxic than cyanides.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, carbon donates its electrons to nitrogen in AgCN to form a triple bond between C and N, which gives cyanide its toxicity. If nitrogen were to donate its electrons to carbon instead, the bond between C and N would be a double bond, and the resulting compound would be less toxic isocyanide.
Example 10.5 of ncert haloalkane and haloarene. AgCn is covalent and b...
Though AgCN is covalent and it forms a covalent bond with C atom so the only free atom to attack a compound is only N because it contains free valence electrons . Therefore carbon cannot donate electrons because it is already bonded with Ag so N attacks thus forming isocyanide and not cyanide.