A Level Nucleophilic Substitution Cyanide + Ethyl Bromide

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This is a nucleophilic substitution mechanism of a cyanide (CN^–) ion. This mechanism occurs when potassium cyanide (KCN) is added to a warmed haloalkane (in this case ethyl bromide, though any haloalkane can be used).

Halogen atoms are electronegative so C-X bonds are polar, with the electrons being attracted by the halogen (which becomes slightly negative). The slight positive charge on the carbon makes it susceptible to attack by a nucleophile (electron pair donor). The reaction results in the C-X bond breaking and the nucleophile taking the place of the halogen.