Chemistry of Nitriles:

Preparation

Nitriles are generally prepared through the S_N2 reaction of a cyanide ion along with a primary alkyl halide. Though, this limits the nitriles that can be synthesized to those having the following common formula RC_H2CN. A much more general synthesis of nitriles includes the dehydration of primary amides with reagents like thionyl chloride or phosphorus pentoxide as shown in diagram.

Figure: Dehydration of primary amides with thionyl chloride.