are CN and O-N-O act as ambident nucleophiles ?
Yes, both CN- and NO2 - are ambident nucleophile.
Ambidentate nucleophile means a species which has two electron rich sites from where it can attack.
CN- has two sites of attack C and N, but at a time only site can attach itself to the electrophillic centre.
When alkyl group is attached to carbon it is known as cyanide i.e. R-CN and when alkyl group is attached with nitrogen, then it is known as isocyanide i.e. R-NC.
similarly NO2- have two nucleophilic sites i.e. N and O.
When nitrogen is attached to alkyl group then it is known as nitroalkane and when oxygen is attached, it is termed as alkyl nitrile.
Ambidentate nucleophile means a species which has two electron rich sites from where it can attack.
CN- has two sites of attack C and N, but at a time only site can attach itself to the electrophillic centre.
When alkyl group is attached to carbon it is known as cyanide i.e. R-CN and when alkyl group is attached with nitrogen, then it is known as isocyanide i.e. R-NC.
similarly NO2- have two nucleophilic sites i.e. N and O.
When nitrogen is attached to alkyl group then it is known as nitroalkane and when oxygen is attached, it is termed as alkyl nitrile.