Question

The compound obtained by heating a mixture of ethyl amine and chloroform with ethanolic potassium hydroxide $(KOH)$ is

• A. an amide
• B. an amide and nitro compound
• C. an isocyanide
• D. an alkyl halide

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

an isocyanide

Answer 2

$\underset{\text{Ethyl amine }}{ { CH3CH2NH2}}$ +$\underset{\text{Chloroform }}{ { CHCl3}}$ $+ 3\,KOH \to$ $\underset{\text{Ethyl isocyanide }}{ { CH3CH2NC}}$ $+ 3\,KCl + 3\, H_2 O$ Isocyanide can be easily characterised by their offensive odour. The reaction is called carbylamine test