Question

Distinction Between 1°, 2° and 3° Amines.

Answer 1

Test	Primary amine
1. Reaction with nitrous acid	Forms alcohol with evolution of nitrogen.
2. Reaction with chloroform and alc. KOH.	Forms pungent smelling carbylamine (isocyanide).
3. Reaction with CS2 and  mercuric chloride (Mustard oil reaction).	Forms alkyl isothiocyanate having mustard oil-like odour.
4. Reaction with Hinsberg's reagent.	Forms monoalkyl sulphona- mide which is soluble in alkali (NaOH or KOH).
5. Reaction with diethyl Oxalate	Forms solid dialkyl oxamide.
6. Reaction with acetyl chloride.	Forms acetyl derivative (amide)
7. Reaction with methyl iodide.	Takes up 3 moles of methyl iodide to form quaternary ammonium salt.

 

Secondary amine	Tertiary amine
Forms nitrosoamine which gives Libermann's nitroso reaction.	Forms nitrite in cold which on heating gives nitrosoamine which responds Libermann's test.
No action.	No action.
No action.	No action.
Forms dialkyl sulphonamide No action. which is insoluble in alkali (NaOH or KOH).	No action.
Forms dialkyl oxamic ester No action. (liquid).	No action.
Forms acetyl derivative (amide).	No action.
Takes up 2 moles methyl iodide to form quaternary ammonium salt.	Takes up 1 mole of methyl iodide  to form quaternary ammonium salt.