Question

Distinguish between

CH3CH2NH2 and (CH3CH2)2NH​

Answer 1

Carbylamine test

Explanation:

Methylamine and dimethylamine can be distinguished using the Carbylamine test.

Principle behind the test:

Primary amines when treatment with chloroform and alcoholic potassium hydroxide will result in foul-smelling isocyanides. Dimethylamine will give no reaction with the same.

Reaction:

So Methylamine should yield foul-smelling methyl isocyanide when treated with chloroform and alcoholic potassium hydroxide.

CH3-NH2 + CHCl3 + KOH ---------> CH3-NC + 3KCl + 3H2