Question

Which of the following amines undergoes acylation reaction?

• A. Ethyldimethylamine
• B. N-Methylaniline
• C. N,N-Dimethylmethanamine
• D. N,N-Dimethylaniline

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

N-Methylaniline

Answer 2

The acylation of amines to form amides requires the amine to have at least one hydrogen attached to the nitrogen (i.e., primary or secondary amines). Tertiary amines (with no N–H bond) do not undergo this reaction.

• (A) Ethyldimethylamine is tertiary (no N–H).
• (B) N-Methylaniline is secondary (one N–H), so it can form an amide.
• (C) N,N-Dimethylmethanamine is tertiary (no N–H).
• (D) N,N-Dimethylaniline is tertiary (no N–H).

Only N-Methylaniline (option B) has an available N–H for acylation.