Question

In test for primary amines, the amine is treated with ${CHCl_3}$ and KOH and a bad smelling compound is formed. If the primary amine used is ethylamine, identify the bad smelling compound formed?

• A. $\ce{CH_3CN}$
• B. $\ce{CH_3CNO}$
• C. $\ce{CH_3 CH_2 NC}$
• D. $\ce{CH_3NCO}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$\ce{CH_3 CH_2 NC}$

Answer 2

When ethyl amine reacts with chloroform in the presence of alcoholic potash, then ethylisocynide is formed. This reaction is known as carbyl amine reaction. {\underset{\text{ Ethyl amine}}{ {C_2H_5 - NH_2 }}$+$\underset{\text{ Chloroform}}{ {CHCl_3 + 3KOH }} -> C_2H_5 - NC + 3KCl + 3H_2O } Ethyl isocyanide (bad smelling compound)