Final answer:
In the SN2 reaction of cyanide with bromoethane, a s1-carbanion intermediate is present. The nucleophile cyanide attacks the electrophilic carbon in bromoethane, forming a transition state.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the SN2 reaction of cyanide with bromoethane, the type of intermediate present is called a s1-carbanion intermediate.
During the SN2 reaction, the nucleophile cyanide (-CN) attacks the electrophilic carbon atom in bromoethane, resulting in the formation of a transition state.
The transition state is a tetrahedral intermediate, and it is characterized by partial bonding between the nucleophile (-CN) and the electrophilic carbon (C-Br), with the bromine atom (Br) simultaneously leaving the molecule.