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Answer: 2. \(N,N'\)-dimethylformamide (DMF)

Key idea: this is an \(S_N2\) reaction on a primary halide, which is fastest in a polar aprotic solvent.

DMF does not solvate \(CN^-\) by hydrogen bonding, so the nucleophile stays reactive. Water, methanol and ethanol are protic and cage \(CN^-\) by hydrogen bonds, slowing the reaction.

Doubtly AI · 30 Oct 2026 AI-generated · not yet verified Report
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