Question

Why is simple metathesis not the result of the reaction between an alkyl halide and silver cyanide?

Answer 1

It's not?

Explanation:

We may formulate the reaction as follows:

`R-X + Ag^(+)""^(-)C-=Nrarr R-C-=N + AgXdarr`

And as you know, silver halide is as soluble as a brick, and this drives the `C-C` bond formation. Of course, redox processes could occur, and hydrocarbon may be oxidized.