Primary amines can be distinguished from secondary and tertiary amines by reacting with

Options

A. Chloroform and alcoholic `KOH`
B. Methyl iodide
C. Chloroform alone
D. Zinc dust

Explanation

To distinguish primary amines from secondary and tertiary amines, we can use a specific chemical reaction involving chloroform (CHCl3) and alcoholic potassium hydroxide (KOH). Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Types of Amines
- **Primary amines** have one alkyl or aryl group attached to the nitrogen atom.
- **Secondary amines** have two alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen atom.
- **Tertiary amines** have three alkyl or aryl groups attached to the nitrogen atom.

### Step 2: Prepare the Reaction
- Take the amine sample you want to test (it could be a primary, secondary, or tertiary amine).
- Prepare a mixture of chloroform (CHCl3) and alcoholic potassium hydroxide (KOH).

### Step 3: Conduct the Reaction
- Add the amine sample to the mixture of chloroform and alcoholic KOH.

### Step 4: Observe the Reaction
- If the amine is a **primary amine**, it will react with the chloroform and alcoholic KOH to form isocyanide (also known as carbylamine).
- If the amine is a **secondary or tertiary amine**, there will be no reaction, and no isocyanide will be formed.

### Step 5: Conclusion
- By observing whether or not a reaction occurs, you can distinguish between primary amines and secondary/tertiary amines:
- **Primary amine**: Reaction occurs (isocyanide forms).
- **Secondary/Tertiary amine**: No reaction occurs.

### Final Answer
The reagent that can be used to distinguish primary amines from secondary and tertiary amines is **chloroform (CHCl3) in alcoholic potassium hydroxide (KOH)**.

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