Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A: Haloalkanes react with KCN to form alkyl cyanides as a main product while with AgCN form isocyanide as the main product. Reason R: KCN and AgCN both are highly ionic compounds. In the light of the above statement, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Assertion A: Haloalkanes react with KCN to form alkyl cyanides as the main product while with AgCN they form isocyanides as the main product.

Analysis of Assertion A:

KCN is an ionic compound where $$CN^-$$ attacks through the carbon end (since C is a better nucleophile in ionic conditions), forming alkyl cyanides (R-CN).

AgCN is a covalent compound where the carbon is bonded to Ag, and the free end (nitrogen) attacks, forming isocyanides (R-NC).

Assertion A is correct.

Reason R: KCN and AgCN both are highly ionic compounds.

Analysis of Reason R:

KCN is ionic (K⁺ and CN⁻), but AgCN is predominantly covalent due to the high polarizing power of Ag⁺ (Fajans' rules). The covalent character of AgCN is what causes the nitrogen end to attack.

Reason R is incorrect because AgCN is NOT highly ionic — it is covalent.

Conclusion: A is correct but R is not correct.

The answer is Option A: A is correct but R is not correct.