Question

How to convert propylamine to ethylamine

Answer 1

First react ethylamine(CH3CH2NH2) with HNO2in presence of NaNO2and HCl and H2O :

CH3CH2NH2+ HNO2-- CH3CH2OH

Then convert this to ethanoic acid using strong oxidising agent like alk. KMnO4

CH3CH2OH --- CH3COOH

Convert this to ethylamide by reacting with ammonia:

CH3COOH +NH3---CH3CONH2

Now, carry out Hoffmann bromamide reaction:

CH3CONH2 + NaOH +Br2--- CH3NH2