SolutionsNitriles
1. Why with the derivatives?
Why are nitriles studied together with carboxylic acid derivatives?
Their carbon has the same oxidation state (+3) as that of acids, and hydrolysis turns them into carboxylic acids (via the amides).
2. Geometry
What is the hybridization of the carbon and nitrogen of the C≡N group? What angle does the R–C≡N group form?
Both are sp; the R–C≡N group is linear (180°), like an alkyne.